The deafest man can hear praise, and is slow to think any an excess.

We fancy that our afflictions are sent us directly from above; sometimes we think it in piety and contrition, but oftener in moroseness and discontent.

Every great writer is a writer of history, let him treat on almost what subject he may.

Immoderate power, like other intemperance, leaves the progeny weaker and weaker, until nature as in compassion covers it with her mantle and it is seen no more.

It is easy to look down on others; to look down on ourselves is the difficulty.

He who brings ridicule to bear against truth finds in his hand a blade without a hilt.

Vast objects of remote altitude must be looked at a long while before they are ascertained. Ages are the telescope tubes that must be lengthened out for Shakespeare; and generations of men serve but a single witness to his claims.