"It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humour."

"I have always been of the opinion that the best way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."

"I am not a believer in the perfectibility of human nature."

"The sun himself is weak when he first rises, and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on."

"I am not a great admirer of the English aristocracy."