We figure to ourselves The thing we like; and then we build it up, As chance will have it, on the rock or sand,— For thought is tired of wandering o’… - Henry Taylor

Few things will occasion a statesman so much embarrassment as a prevailing opinion that he will yield that to importunity which he ought to proffer to less forward parties upon juster grounds, and that whether he grants or refuses no harm can be done by asking.

When you give, therefore, take to yourself no credit for generosity, unless you deny yourself something in order that you may give.

Good nature and kindness towards those with whom they come in personal contact, at the expense of public interests, that is of those whom they never see, is the besetting sin of public men.