The sure way of judging whether our first thoughts are judicious, is to sleep on them. If they appear of the same force the next morning as they did over night, and if good nature ratifies what good sense approves,… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
Two large prominent eyes that rolled about to no purpose (for he was utterly short-sighted) a wide mouth, thick lips and inflated visage, gave him the air of a blind trumpeter. A deep untuneable voice which, instead of modulating, he… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
A poet who makes use of a worse word instead of a better, because the former fits the rhyme or the measure, though it… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
I do not dislike the French from the vulgar antipathy between neighboring nations, but for their insolent and unfounded air of superiority. — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
Lord Bath used to say of women, who are apt to say that they will follow their own judgment, that they could not follow… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
An ancient prophecy ... pronounced, That the castle and lordship of Otranto should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
Plot, rules, nor even poetry, are not half so great beauties in tragedy or comedy as a just imitation of nature, of character, of… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
“But alas! my Lord, what is blood! what is nobility! We are all reptiles, miserable, sinful creatures. It is piety alone that can distinguish… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
I do not admire politicians; but when they are excellent in their way, one cannot help allowing them their due. — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
Alexander at the head of the world never tasted the true pleasure that boys of his own age have enjoyed at the head of… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image