Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires, makes a wise and happy purchase.
He that deserves nothing should be content with anything.
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
When the well is dry, then we all know the worth of water.
In conversation avoid the extremes of Forwardness and Reserve.
_Conversation._--To please others we should talk on subjects they like and that interest them; avoid disputes, seldom ask questions, and never let them see that we pretend to be better informed than they are.
The first ingredient in conversation is truth, the next good sense, the third good humor, and the fourth wit.
Conversation is the music of the mind; an intellectual orchestra, where all the instruments should bear a part, but where none should play together.
Never argue in society; if any person differs from you, bow, and turn the conversation.
I never, with important air, In conversation overbear.
One of the best rules in conversation is, never say a thing which any of the company can reasonably wish had been left unsaid.
_Conversation._--As it is the mark of great minds to say many things in a few words, so it is that of little minds to use many words to say nothing.
"So much they talked, so very little said."
To say nothing charmingly is a great gift.
_Conversation._--In general those who nothing have to say contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.
It is better to turn back than to go astray.
He who converses with no one, learns nothing.
As rust corrupts iron, so envy corrupts man.
_Corporations have no souls_:--Lord Chancellor Thurlow said, "that corporations have neither bodies to be punished, nor souls to be condemned; they therefore do as they like."
Corruption is a tree, whose branches are Of an unmeasurable length: they spread Ev'rywhere; and the dew that drops from thence Hath infected some chairs and stools of authority.
The thatched cottage where one is merry, is preferable to a palace where one weeps.
From a safe port 'tis easy to give counsel.
He that winna be counselled canna be helped.
Cheerful looks make every dish a feast, And 'tis that, that crowns a welcome.