Poetry and consumption are the most flattering of diseases. – William Shenstone
Hope is a flatterer, but the most upright of all parasites for she frequents the poor mans hut, as well as the palace of his superior. – William Shenstone
The best time to frame an answer to the letters of a friend, is the moment you receive them. Then the warmth of friendship, and the intelligence received, most forcibly cooperate. – William Shenstone
The lines of poetry, the period of prose, and even the texts of Scripture most frequently recollected and quoted, are those which are felt to be preeminently musical. – William Shenstone