The more a man writes, the more he can write.

To speak highly of one with whom we are intimate is a species of egotism. Our modesty as well as our jealousy teaches us caution on this subject.

True friendship is self-love at second hand; where, as in a flattering mirror we may see our virtues magnified and our errors softened, and where we may fancy our opinion of ourselves confirmed by an impartial and faithful witness.

To expect an author to talk as he writes is ridiculous; or even if he did you would find fault with him as a pedant.

It is remarkable how virtuous and generously disposed every one is at a play.

There are no rules for friendship. It must be left to itself. We cannot force it any more than love.

Modesty is the lowest of the virtues, and is a real confession of the deficiency it indicates. He who undervalues himself is justly undervalued by others.