I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?

There is a vulgar incredulity, which in historical matters, as well as in those of religion, finds it easier to doubt than to examine.

What I have to say is far more important than how long my eyelashes are.

Certainly," quoth Athelstane, "women are the least to be trusted of all animals, monks and abbots excepted.

Silence, maiden; thy tongue outruns thy discretion.

We build statues out of snow, and weep to see them melt.

Vacant heart, and hand, and eye, Easy live and quiet die.