The definition of genius is that it acts unconsciously, and those who have produced immortal works have done so without knowing how or why.

A situation in a public office is secure, but laborious and mechanical, and without the great springs of life, hope and fear.

A woman's vanity is interested in making the object of her choice the god of her idolatry.

Language, if it throws a veil over our ideas, adds a softness and refinement to them, like that which the atmosphere gives to naked objects.

Poverty, when it is voluntary, is never despicable, but takes an heroical aspect.

Perhaps propriety is as near a word as any to denote the manners of the gentleman; elegance is necessary to the fine gentleman; dignity is proper to noblemen; and majesty to kings.

A thought must tell at once, or not at all.