Where there are large powers with little ambition (which will happen sometimes, though seldom) nature may be said to have fallen short of her purpose… - Henry Taylor

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’er the world,
And homebound Fancy runs her bark ashore.

There are few things more important in the business of the state, than that the results of inquiry and research should be realised by those who have had the conduct of it.

In a statesman’s transactions there are many things which cannot be communicated otherwise than by manner without inconvenient commitment or controversy; and that will be the most serviceable manner which can be expressive or inexpressive at pleasure, and be used as a dark lantern to his meanings.