Benjamin Franklin: “Nor is it strange; since men of virtue are so rare, so very rare to be found.”

To strangers he was cold and reserved; but where he was intimate, no man indulged to more pleasantry and good humour.

Yet had I gone at 70, it would have cut off 12 of the most active years of my life, employed too in matters of the greatest importance; but whether I have been doing good or mischief, is for time to discover.

If the treaty cannot be made as much to your advantage as to ours, don't make it.

I wish old England were as happy in its government, but I do not see it.