Art is the microscope of the mind, which sharpens the wit as the other does the sight; and converts every object into a little universe in itself. Art may be said to draw aside the veil from nature. To those who are perfectly unskilled in the practice, unimbued with the principles of art, most objects present only a confused mass.

Weakness has its hidden resources, as well as strength. There is a degree of folly and meanness which we cannot calculate upon, and by which we are as much liable to be foiled as by the greatest ability or courage.

The art of pleasing consists in being pleased.

If our hours were all serene, we might probably take almost as little note of them as the dial does of those that are clouded.

As is our confidence, so is our capacity.

Of all eloquence a nickname is the most concise; of all arguments the most unanswerable.

Love and joy are twins or born of each other.