Edward Gibbon

The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

Beauty is an outward gift which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused.

Beauty is an outward gift which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused.

My early and invincible love of reading, . . . I would not
exchange for the treasures of India.

My early and invincible love of reading, . . . I would not
exchange for the treasures of India.

I am indeed rich, since my income is superior to my expense, and my expense is equal to my wishes.

I am indeed rich, since my income is superior to my expense, and my expense is equal to my wishes.

The noisy and extensive scene of crowds without company, and
dissipation without pleasure.

The noisy and extensive scene of crowds without company, and
dissipation without pleasure.