Laurence Sterne May Quotations

A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything.

Of all the cants which are canted in this canting world - though the cant of hypocrites may be the worst - the cant of criticism is the most tormenting!

The best friends in the world may differ sometimes.

We may imitate the Deity in all His attributes; but mercy is the only one in which we can pretend to equal Him. We cannot, indeed, give like God; but surely we may forgive like Him.

The chaste mind, like a polished plane, may admit foul thoughts, without receiving their tincture.

The most affluent may be stripped of all, and find his worldly comforts, like so many withered leaves, dropping from him.

Any one may do a casual act of good-nature; but a continuation of them shows it a part of the temperament.

Madness is consistent; which is more than can be said for poor reason. Whatever may be the ruling passion at the time continues equally so throughout the whole delirium, though it should last for life. Madmen are always constant in love; which no man in his senses ever was. Our passions and principles are steady in frenzy; but begin to shift and waver, as we return to reason.

We are born to trouble; and we may depend upon it, whilst we live in this world, we shall have it, though with intermissions.

Whatever stress some may lay upon it, a death-bed repentance is but a weak and slender plank to trust our all on.