Those who are too idle to read, save for the purpose of amusement, may in these works acquire some acquaintance with history, which, however inaccurate, is better than none.

...crystal and hearts would lose all their merit in the world if it were not for their fragility.

The schoolmaster is termed, classically, Ludi Magister, because he deprives boys of their play.

Heap on more wood! - the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We'll keep our Christmas merry still.

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

In prosperous times I have sometimes felt my fancy and powers of language flag, but adversity is to me at least a tonic and bracer.

Wounds sustained for the sake of conscience carry their own balsam with the blow.