A Finnan haddock has a relish of a peculiar and delicate flavour, inimitable on any other coast than that of Aberdeenshire. Some of our Edinburgh philosophers tried to produce their equal in vain. I was one of a party at dinner where the philosophical haddocks were placed in competition with the genuine Finnan fish. These were served round without distinguishing whence they came; but only one gentleman out of twelve present espoused the cause of philosophy.

Mankind — the race would perish did they cease to aid each other.

If a faultless poem could be produced, I am satisfied it would tire the critics themselves; and annoy the whole reading world with the spleen.

Hope is brightest when it dawns from fears.

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

Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities.

There never will exist anything permanently noble and excellent in the character which is a stranger to resolute self-denial.