Prodigious actions may as well be done, by weaver’s issue, as the prince’s son.
If one must be rejected, one succeed, make him my lord within whose faithful breast is fixed my image, and who loves me best.
Uncertain whose the narrowest span, – the clown unread, or half-read gentleman.
The province of the soul is large enough to fill up every cranny of your time, and leave you much to answer for if one wretch be damned by your neglect.
The commendation of adversaries is the greatest triumph of a writer, because it never comes unless extorted.
Heroic poetry has ever been esteemed the greatest work of human nature.
Pleasure never comes sincere to man; but lent by heaven upon hard usury.
The perverseness of my fate is such that he’s not mine because he’s mine too much.
Among our crimes oblivion may be set.
Fattened in vice, so callous and so gross, he sins and sees not, senseless of his loss.
It’s a hard world, neighbors, if a man’s oath must be his master.
Virtue in distress, and vice in triumph make atheists of mankind.
Even victors are by victories undone.
Great souls forgive not injuries till time has put their enemies within their power, that they may show forgiveness is their own.
Resolved to ruin or to rule the state.
If you have lived, take thankfully the past. Make, as you can, the sweet remembrance last.
Fame then was cheap, and the first comer sped; And they have kept it since by being dead.
Keen appetite And quick digestion wait on you and yours.
Men are but children of a larger growth.
If you are for a merry jaunt, I will try, for once, who can foot it farthest.