“We never do anything consciously for the last time without sadness of heart.”

“He who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do anything.”

“We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.”

“What we hope ever to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.”

“Fancy can hardly forbear to conjecture with what temper Milton surveyed the silent progress of his work, and marked his reputation stealing its way in a kind of subterraneous current through fear and silence. I cannot but conceive him calm and confident, little disappointed, not at all dejected, relying on his own great merit with steady consciousness, and waiting, without impatience, the vicissitudes of opinion, and the impartiality of a future generation.”

“The opinions prevalent in one age, as truths above the reach of controversy, are confuted and rejected in another, and rise again to reception in remoter times. Thus the human mind is kept in motion without progress.”

“Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.”