“Dying Speech of an Old PhilosopherI strove with none, for none was worth my strife.Nature I loved, and, next to Nature, Art:I warm'd both hands before the fire of life;It sinks; and I am ready to depart.”

“Death stands above me,Whispering low I know not what into my ear. ”

“Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.”

“We must not indulge in unfavorable views of mankind, since by doing it we make bad men believe they are no worse than others, and we teach the good that they are good in vain.”

“What is reading but silent conversation.”

“Many laws as certainly make bad men, as bad men make many laws.”

“When a cat flatters ... he is not insincere: you may safely take it for real kindness.”