Though peace of mind does not constitute happiness, happiness cannot exist without it; our serenity being the result of our own exertions, while our happiness is dependent on others: hence the reason why it is so rare; for, on how few can we count? Our wisdom, therefore, is best shown in cultivating all that leads to the preservation of this negative blessing, which, while we possess it, will prevent us from ever becoming wholly wretched. ARITHMETIC. A science differently studied by fathers and sons: the first generally confining themselves to addition, and the second to subtraction. SACRIFICES. More sacrifices originate in ostentation than generosity. ADVERSITY. As bees can breed no poison, though they suck the deadliest juices, so the noble mind, though forced to drain the cup of misery, can yield but generous thoughts and noble deeds. GRIEF. Desperate is the grief of him whom prosperity having elated and hardened, feels the first arrow of affliction strike at his heart, through the life of the object dearest to him on earth. SOLITUDE. Hail, solitude! the nurse of high-born thought— The strength’ner of our virtues—the best friend To shield us from temptations which await Where thou art not, and lead us far from peace. REFLECTION. If we could bring ourselves to consider self but as a subordinate atom in the great mass that forms the world, we should perhaps bear our troubles with more equanimity: but such is our vanity, that each considers himself the centre of a little world of his own. MELANCHOLY. There are certain hearts in which the germ of melancholy is implanted even in their earliest youth, and maturity only strengthens it. On such persons, the inevitable ills of life fall with a weight, that, if it crush them not wholly, leaves them eternally bruised in spirit. AGE. If age deprives us of our pleasures, it also deadens our sense of misfortunes, by subduing the acuteness of our sensibility. POLITENESS. Politeness may prevent the want of wit and talents from being observed; but wit and talents cannot prevent the discovery of the want of politeness. AGE. Oh! reverence grey hairs—they tell a tale Of heavy trials, sore afflictions borne: For none e’er wore these harbingers of death Without being schooled in all life’s bitter truths. FATALITY. Fatality is another name for misconduct. QUALITIES.