A clever, ugly man every now and then is successful with the ladies, but a handsome fool is irresistible.

It seems to me one cannot sit down in that place [the Round Reading room of the British Museum] without a heart full of grateful reverence. I own to have said my grace at the table, and to have thanked Heaven for my English birthright, freely to partake of these beautiful books, and speak the truth I find there.

One of the great conditions of anger and hatred is, that you must tell and believe lies against the hated object, in order, as we said, to be consistent.

...the greatest tyrants over women are women.

Next to eating good dinners, a healthy man with a benevolent turn of mind, must like, I think, to read about them.

Why do they always put mud into coffee on board steamers? Why does the tea generally taste of boiled boots?

Certain it is that scandal is good brisk talk, whereas praise of one's neighbor is by no means lively hearing. An acquaintance grilled, scored, devilled, and served with mustard and cayenne pepper excites the appetite; whereas a slice of cold friend with currant jelly is but a sickly, unrelishing meat.