“No amount of misfortune will satisfy the man who is not satisfied with reading a hundred epigrams.”

Why do strong arms fatigue themselves with frivolous dumbbells? To dig a vineyard is worthier exercise for men.

Your page stands against you and says to you that you are a thief.

One genius has made many clever artists.

The African lions rush to attack bulls; they do not attack butterflies.

I know all that better than my own name.

What quick wit is found in sudden straits!

Who gives to friends so much from Fate secures, That is the only wealth for ever yours.

You are sad in the midst of every blessing. Take care that Fortune does not observe–or she will call you ungrateful.

To be able to enjoy one’s past life is to live twice.

If my opinion is of any worth, the fieldfare is the greatest delicacy among birds, the hare among quadrupeds.

It is feeling and force of imagination that make us eloquent.

Givers of great dinners know few enemies.

Joys do not stay, but take wing and fly away.

Spare the person but lash the vice.

I’m what I seem; not any dyer gave, But nature dyed this colour that I have.

Some good, some so-so, and lots plain bad: that’s how a book of poems is made, my Friend.