Maria Edgeworth

The prevailing taste of the public for anecdote has been censured and ridiculed by critics, who aspire to the character of superior wisdom: but if we consider it in a proper point of view, this taste is an incontestible proof of the good sense and profoundly philosophic temper of the present times. Of the numbers who study, or at least who read history, how few derive any advantage from their labors!

The human heart, at whatever age, opens only to the heart that opens in return.

If we take care of the moments the years will take care of themselves.

Artificial manners vanish the moment the natural passions are touched.

The human heart at whatever age opens only to the heart that opens in return.

The man who will not execute his resolutions when they are fresh upon him can have no hope from them afterwards they will be dissipated lost and perish in the hurry and scurry of the world or sunk in the slough of indolence.

In real friendship the judgment the genius the prudence of each party become the common property of both.

First and foremost, they had the curses of the country: and Sir Murtagh Rackrent, the new heir, in the next place, on account of this affront to the body, refused to pay a shilling of the debts, in which he was countenanced by all the best gentlemen of property, and others of his acquaintance; Sir Murtagh alleging in all companies that he all along meant to pay his father's debts of honour, but the moment the law was taken of him, there was an end of honour to be sure. It was whispered (but none but the enemies of the family believe it) that this was all a sham seizure to get quit of the debts which he had bound himself to pay in honour.

When people are warm, they cannot stand picking terms.