A large retinue upon a small income, like a large cascade upon a small stream, tends to discover its tenuity.

We may daily discover crowds acquire sufficient wealth to buy gentility, but very few that possess the virtues which ennoble human nature, and (in the best sense of the word) constitute a gentleman.

Those who are incapable of shining out by dress would do well to consider that the contrast between them and their clothes turns out much to their disadvantage.

In a heavy oppressive atmosphere, when the spirits sink too low, the best cordial is to read over all the letters of one's friends.

Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect, and the most elegant of all compliments.

A man has generally the good or ill qualities which he attributes to mankind.

A liar begins with making falsehood appear like truth, and ends with making truth itself appear like falsehood.