Men have been wise in many different modes; but they have always laughed the same way.
Unless a woman has an amorous heart, she is a dull companion.
The end of writing is to instruct; the end of poetry is to instruct by pleasing.
The main of life is composed of small incidents and petty occurrences; of wishes for objects not remote, and grief for disappointments of no fatal consequence...
The mental disease of the present generation is impatience of study, contempt of the great masters of ancient wisdom, and a disposition to rely wholly upon unassisted genius and natural sagacity.
I do not much wish well to discoveries, for I am always afraid they will end in conquest and robbery.
Labor’s face is wrinkled with the wind, and swarthy with the sun.
Applause abates diligence.
There must always be some advantage on one side or the other, and it is better that advantage should be had by talents than by chance.
I will take no more physick, not even my opiates; for I have prayed that I may render up my soul to God unclouded.
Life of Ages, richly poured, Love of God unspent and free, Flowing in the Prophet’s word And the People’s liberty! Never was to chosen race That unstinted tide confined; Thine is every time and place, Fountain sweet of heart and mind!
Condemned to Hope’s delusive mine, As on we toil from day to day, By sudden blasts or slow decline Our social comforts drop away.
Pour forth thy fervors for a healthful mind, Obedient passions, and a will resigned.
Nothing odd will do long. Tristram Shandy did not last.
A quibble is to Shakespeare what luminous vapours are to the traveller: he follows it at all adventures; it is sure to lead him out of his way and sure to engulf him in the mire.
From Bard, to Bard, the frigid Caution crept, Till Declamation roar’d, while Passion slept.
When first the college rolls receive his name, The young enthusiast quilts his ease for fame; Through all his veins the fever of renown Burns from the strong contagion of the gown.
Year chases year, decay pursues decay, Still drops some joy from with’ring life away; New forms arise, and diff’rent views engage.
Norway, too, has noble prospects; and Lapland is remarkable for prodigious noble wild prospects. But, Sir, let me tell you, the noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees is the high road that leads him to England!
But grant, the virtues of a temp’rate prime Bless with an age exempt from scorn or crime; An age that melts with unperceived decay, And glides in modest Innocence away.