41 quotes
In the career of female fame, there are few prizes to be obtained which can vie with the obscure state of a beloved wife or a happy mother.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
The bliss of the drunkard is a visible picture of the expectation of the dying atheist, who hopes no more than to lie down in the grave with the "beasts that perish."
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
If cowardice were not so completely a coward as to be unable to look steadily upon the effects of courage, he would find that there is no refuge so sure as dauntless valor.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
We value the devotedness of friendship rather as an oblation to vanity than as a free interchange of hearts; an endearing contract of sympathy, mutual forbearance, and respect!
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
The fruition of what is unlawful must be followed by remorse. The core sticks in the throat after the apple is eaten, and the sated appetite loathes the interdicted pleasure for which innocence was bartered.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
When Alexander had subdued the world, and wept that none were left to dispute his arms, his tears were an involuntary tribute to a monarchy that he knew not, man's empire over himself.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
Virtue is despotic; life, reputation, every earthly good, must be surrendered at her voice. The law may seem hard, but it is the guardian of what it commands; and is the only sure defence of happiness.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
People do not always understand the motives of sublime conduct, and when they are astonished they are very apt to think they ought to be alarmed. The truth is none are fit judges of greatness but those who are capable of it.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
Where there is any good disposition, confidence begets faithfulness; but distrust, if it do not produce treachery, never fails to destroy every inclination to evince fidelity. Most people disdain to clear themselves from the accusations of mere suspicion.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
The mob is a sort of bear; while your ring is through its nose, it will even dance under your cudgel; but should the ring slip, and you lose your hold, the brute will turn and rend you.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
Dr. Johnson has said that the chief glory of a country arises from its authors. But then that is only as they are oracles of wisdom; unless they teach virtue, they are more worthy of a halter than of the laurel.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
The platform or the altar of love may be analyzed and explained; it is constructed of virtue, beauty, and affection. Such is the pyre, such is the offering; but the ethereal spark must come from heaven, that lights the sacrifice.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
We all know that a lie needs no other grounds than the invention of the liar; and to take for granted as truth all that is alleged against the fame of others is a species of credulity that men would blush at on any other subject.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
Life is a warfare; and he who easily desponds deserts a double duty—he betrays the noblest property of man, which is dauntless resolution; and he rejects the providence of that All-Gracious Being who guides and rules the universe.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
He that easily believes rumours has the principle within him to augment rumors. It is strange to see the ravenous appetite with which some devourers of character and happiness fix upon the sides of the innocent and unfortunate.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
These hearts which suck up friendship like water, and yield it again with the first touch, might as well expect to squeeze a sponge and find it hold its moisture, as to retain affections which they are forever dashing from them.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
I never yet heard man or woman much abused, that I was not inclined to think the better of them; and to transfer any suspicion or dislike to the person who appeared to take delight in pointing out the defects of a fellow-creature.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
Guilt is a spiritual Rubicon.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
Any base heart can devise means of vileness, and affix the ugly shapings of its own fancy to the actions of those around him; but it requires loftiness of mind, and the heaven-born spirit of virtue, to imagine greatness where it is not, and to deck the sordid objects of nature in the beautiful robes of loveliness and light.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)
Lachrymal counsellors, with one foot in the cave of despair, and the other invading the peace of their friends, are the paralyzers of action, the pests of society, and the subtlest homicides in the world; they poison with a tear; and convey a dagger to the heart while they press you to their bosoms.
Aphorisms of Sir Philip Sidney; with Remarks (1807)