Samuel Johnson

To shake with laughter ere the jest they hear,
To pour at will the counterfeited tear;
And, read more

To shake with laughter ere the jest they hear,
To pour at will the counterfeited tear;
And, as their patron hints the cold or heat,
To shake in dog-days, in December sweat.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill ... Great works are performed, not by strength, but perseverance.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill ... Great works are performed, not by strength, but perseverance.

The superiority of some men is merely local. They are great because their associates are little.

The superiority of some men is merely local. They are great because their associates are little.

When people find a man of the most distinguished abilities as a writer their inferior while he is with them, read more

When people find a man of the most distinguished abilities as a writer their inferior while he is with them, it must be highly gratifying to them.

The inevitable consequence of poverty is dependence

The inevitable consequence of poverty is dependence