I look upon paradoxes as the impotent efforts of men who, not having capacity to draw attention and celebrity from good sense,… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
A man of sense, though born without wit, often lives to have wit. His memory treasures up ideas and reflections; he compares… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
My aversion to them...springs from the perniciousness of that sect to society-I hate Papists, as a man, not as a Protestant. If… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
The contempt of money is no more a virtue than to wash one's hand is one; but one does not willingly shake… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
What is called chance is the instrument of Providence and the secret agent that counteracts what men call wisdom, and preserves order… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
I have known several persons of great fame for wisdom in public affairs and councils governed by foolish servants. I have known… — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
Men are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent. — Horace Walpole Copy Share Image
Men are often capable of greater things than they perform - They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and… — 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