William Temple
Biography
(1628-1699)
Essays by William Temple
I never thought it would have befallen me to be the first that should try a new experiment, any more than be the author of any new invention: being little inclined to practise upon others, and as little that others should practise upon me.
It is unreasonable that I should give fortune so a great a space in my thoughts, while she gives me so small an one in hers.
The first ingredient in conversation is truth, the next good sense, the third good humour, and the fourth wit.
I know not what it is makes me so prone to this posture of musing, which is between melancholy fits and those doting visions that use to rock men asleep whose souls or bodies are distempered with disease or passion.