every instant terminates its extent: when it exists, the past is no more, and the instant that follows is not yet. In this manner we die without ever having been able to enjoy one instant.

122.

The hypocrite who would fain imitate virtue, can only copy it in water-colors.

123.

It is having in some measure a sort of wit, to know how to use the wit of others.

124.

The indolence of the generality of the great, borders somewhat upon a lethargic

state.

125.

I doubt whether a wise and sensible man would become young again, on the same conditions he once was so.

126.

The prejudices of youth pass away with it. Those of old age last only, because there is no other age to be hoped for.

P*

127.

The reason why some people speak so much is, that they speak only by memory.

128.

The poor, condemned to the sweat of the brow and to fatigue, upbraid nature with the sloth of the rich; and the rich, tormented by passions, or devoured by disgust and irksomeness, envy the innocent pleasure of the poor. None here below find themselves happy but in the place of others.

129. : 10

We wish no evil to those we despise, but to those who have a right to despise us.

130.

How many prodigals are there, who, by dying, pay only nature what they owe her!

131.

We mount to fortune by several steps, but require only one step to come down.

132.

There are authors who take so much pains

with, and polish so much their writings, that all they give to the public are nothing but mere dust and filings.

133.

The first faults alarm innocence: those that follow cease to fright her. Happy that innocence which has not learned to fear, or has held to her first fears.

134.

I know no real worth but that tranquil firmness which seeks dangers by duty, and braves them without rashness.

135.

I pity less an ignorant person who knows nothing, than one who knows but indifferently what he has learned. It is much better to know thoroughly than to know a great deal.

136.

The man of understanding reasons only according to what he has learned; but the man of genius according to himself.

137.

It does not suit all persons to be modest; none but great men ought to be so.

138.

The merit of great men is not understood, but by those who are formed to be such themselves: genius speaks only to genius.

139.

Great men are in vain criticised; their illustrious qualities are sufficient to procure them revenge.

140.

Great speakers resemble those musicians, who, in their airs, prefer noise to harmony.

141.

We may recover out of the darkness of ignorance, but never out of that of presumption.

142.

We have known how to make the elements obsequious to our ingenuity, but we know not how to master our passions.

143.

True valor braves danger without neglect

ing resources.

144.

Two sorts of men do not reflect, the terrified and the rash man.

MAXIMS TO LIVE BY.

1.

Avom, if possible, laying yourself under an obligation to a purse-proud man, whose wealth is his only distinction, and who, thanks to some lucky star, has risen from a menial station in society to one of comparative opulence and importance. If your miserable fate dooms you to receive the slightest pecuniary favor from such a person, he is almost sure to treat you with insolence and contumely, and to profit by the opportunity to take liberties with you, which, under other circumstances, he would not dare to attempt.

2.

We lose our friends at the flood-tide of our prosperity, not less frequently than at its ebb; the two extremes are equally fatal. In the former case they grow distant and reserved, in