If you had told Sycorax that her son Caliban was as handsome as Apollo, she would have been pleased, witch as she was.

The world is a looking-glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it, and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion; and so let all young persons take their choice.

Next to the very young, I suppose the very old are the most selfish.

I would rather make my name than inherit it.

We pass by common objects or persons without noticing them; but the keen eye detects and notes types everywhere and among all classes.

Tis misfortune that awakens ingenuity, or fortitude, or endurance, in hearts where these qualities had never come to life but for the circumstance which gave them a being.

Is beauty beautiful, or is it only our eyes that make it so?