The first time I read an excellent book, it is to me just as if I had gained a new friend. When I read a book over I have perused before, it resembles the meeting...

They may talk of a comet, or a burning mountain, or some such bagatelle; but to me a modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation.

I love everything that is old; old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wines.

Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent it seldom has justice enough to accuse.

Hope, like the gleaming taper’s light, adorns and cheers our way; and still, as darker grows the night, emits a brighter ray.

…The more enormous our wealth, the more extensive our fears, all our possessions are paled up with new edicts every day, and hung round with gibbets to scare every invader.

He who fights and runs away May live to fight another day; But he who is battle slain Can never rise to fight again

Modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues.

Ask me no questions, and I’ll tell you no fibs.

In all my wanderings through this world of care,In all my griefs — and God has given my share –I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown,Amidst these humble bowers to lay me down;To...

Friendship is a disinterested commerce between equals; love an abject intercourse between tyrants and slaves.