You seem like most of the writers that have gone before you, to have allowed as an uncontested principle, that marriage is generally unhappy.

I had lately a very remarkable dream, which made so strong an impression on me.

There is, indeed, some danger lest he that too scrupulously balances probabilities, and too perspicaciously foresees obstacles.

How heavily my time revolves along.

The time comes at last, in which life has no more to promise, in which happiness can be drawn only from recollection.

If he succeeds, he benefits his friend, and if he fails, he has at least the consciousness that he suffers for only doing well.

Unblest, still doom’d to wed with misery.

it has been observed that happiness, as well as virtue, consists in mediocrity

If we search the writings of Virgil for the true definition of a pastoral, it will be found a poem in which any action or passion is represented by its effects upon a country life.

I am afraid it will not be found easy to improve the pastorals of antiquity, by any great additions or diversifications.