Gazette Of The United States

THE OPINIONS OF STANISLAUS,
KING OF POLAND.

A man ought to be more offended at excessive praises, than at invectives: Many would be more esteemed, with less profuseness of their merit: It should be laid out by measure, and only when wanted.

There is a dignity, which however exalted of itself, gives no rank; that resulting from the character of a good man.

Shall we give over being virtuous to avoid the sneers and machinations of envy? Where would the world be, should the sun withdraw his beams, that they might not dazzle weak eyes?

In most kinds of governments, man is made to conceive himself free, and really to be shackled.

Esteem is more pleasing than friendship, and even than affection; it captivates the heart effectually, and never makes the objects ungrateful.

Most parsimonious people are very good natured, continually amassing wealth for those who wish them in the grave.

Some authors labour and polish their compositions to such a degree, that all they publish is mere filings.

There is in the world a tribunal more to be feared, than those of civil authority. This is invisible, has neither officers, forms, nor ensigns; it is likewise universal and every where alike, and every one has a right to vote in it. In this court, the slave sits in judgment on his master, and the subject passes sentence on his sovereign. It is composed of all good persons, and they alone respect it; as, on the other hand, it is only the most hardened profligates, who make light of its decrees.

Natural manners silence the laws; and it is they by which Empires are raised or overthrown.

The greatest pleasure that can be done to a vain man, is not so much to praise him, as quietly to hear him praise himself.