I never read a book before reviewing it; it prejudices a man so. - Sydney Smith

I always fear that creation will expire before teatime.

He has spent all his life in letting down empty buckets into empty wells; and he is frittering away his age in trying to draw them up again.

In the midst of this sublime and terrible storm [at Sidmouth], Dame Partington, who lived upon the beach, was seen at the door of her house with mop and pattens, trundling her mop, squeezing out the sea-water, and vigorously pushing away the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused; Mrs. Partington's spirit was up. But I need not tell you that the contest was unequal; the Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington.