Quotes from Samuel Johnson

The Roman tyrant was content to be hated, if he was but feared; and there are thousands of the readers of romances willing to be thought wicked, if they may be allowed to be wits.

ADVENTINE  (ADVE'NTINE)   adj.[from advenio, adventum.]Adventitious; that which is extrinsically added; that which comes from outward causes: a word scarcely in use. As for the peregrine heat, it is thus far true, that, if the proportion of the adventine heat be greatly predominant to the natural heat and spirits of the body, it tendeth to dissolution or notable alteration.Bacon'sNatural History,No 836.

ANIENTED  (A'NIENTED)   adj.[anneantir, Fr.]Frustrated; brought to nothing.

His wish still continued, but his hope grew less.

may, notwithstanding, be questioned whether, except his bible, he ever read a book entirely through. Late in life, if any man praised a book in his presence, he was sure to ask, "Did you read it through?" If the answer was in the affirmative, he did not seem willing to believe it.

Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own.

Self-confidence if the first requisite to great unertakings. - On Alexander Pope

I was not born for courts or great affairs;I pay my debts, believe, and say my prayers.Pope.

Nothing is more hopeless than a scheme of merriment.

To me,' said the Princess, 'the choice of life is become less important; I hope hereafter to think only on the choice of eternity.

Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may properly be charged with evil who refused to learn how he might prevent it.

Where I a pris'ner chain'd, scarce freely drawThe air imprison'd also, close and damp,Unwholsome draught; but here I feel amends,The breath of heav'n fresh blowing, pure and sweet,With day-spring born; here leave me to respire.Milton'sSampson Agonistes.