. . . there is a much higher character from that of a wit or a poet or a savant, which is that of a rational sociable being, willing to carry on the commerce of life with all the sweetness and condescension, decency and virtue will permit.

Wit in women is apt to have bad consequences; like a sword without a scabbard, it wounds the wearer and provokes assailants.

Wit in women is apt to have bad consequences; like a sword without a scabbard, it wounds the wearer and provokes assailants

To judge therefore of Shakespeare by Aristotle's rule is like trying a man by the Laws of one Country who acted under those of another.

Take back the beauty and wit you bestow upon me; leave me my own mediocrity of agreeableness and genius, but leave me also my sincerity, my constancy, and my plain dealing; 'tis all I have to recommend me to the esteem either of others or myself.

There is small disproportion betwixt a fool who useth not wit because he hath it not and him that useth it not when it should avail him.