Guilt, though it may attain temporal splendor, can never confer real happiness; the evil consequences of our crimes long survive their commission, and, like the ghosts of the murdered, forever haunt the steps of the malefactor; while the paths of virtue, though seldom those of worldly greatness, are always those of pleasantness and peace.

Greatness of any kind has no greater foe than a habit of drinking.

When a man has not a good reason for doing a thing, he has one good reason for letting it alone.

To all, to each, a fair good-night, and pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.

Fortune may raise up or abuse the ordinary mortal, but the sage and the soldier should have minds beyond her control.

It is a great disgrace to religion, to imagine that it is an enemy to mirth and cheerfulness, and a severe exacter of pensive looks and solemn faces.

Of all vices, drinking is the most incompatible with greatness.