The great virtues turn principally on dangers, punishments, and troubles, and are exercised, rather in preventing the worst mischiefs, than in dispensing favors; and are therefore not lovely, though highly venerable.

The subordinate turn on reliefs, gratifications, and indulgences; and are therefore more lovely, though inferior in dignity.

Those persons who creep into the hearts of most people, who are chosen as the companions of their softer hours, and their reliefs from care and anxiety, are never persons of shining qualities or strong virtues.

It is rather the soft green of the soul on which we rest our eyes, that are fatigued with beholding more glaring objects.

It is worth observing how we feel ourselves affected in reading the characters of Caesar and Cato, as they are so finely drawn and contrasted in Sallust.