Critics must excuse me if I compare them to certain animals called asses, who, by gnawing vines, originally taught the great advantage of pruning them.

Learning, like money, may be of so base a coin as to be utterly void of use.

Virtues, like essences, lose their fragrance when exposed. They are sensitive plants, which will not bear too familiar approaches.

The fund of sensible discourse is limited; that of jest and badinerie is infinite.

I am thankful that my name in obnoxious to no pun.

However, I think a plain space near the eye gives it a kind of liberty it loves; and then the picture, whether you choose the grand or beautiful, should be held up at its proper distance. Variety is the principal ingredient in beauty; and simplicity is essential to grandeur.

Immoderate assurance is perfect licentiousness.