To a retired tradesman there can be no greater convenience than that of having a "short sight." In truth, wealth rarely improves the vision. Poverty, on the contrary, strengthens it. A man, when he is poor, is able to discover objects at the greatest distance with the naked eye, which he could not see, though standing close to his elbow, when he was rich.
If you wish to set a room full of silent people off talking, get some one to sing a song.
The bore is happy enough in boring others, but is never so miserable as when left alone, when there is no one but himself to bore.
The contradictions of this life are wonderful. Many a man, who hasn't the courage to say "no," never misses taking a shower-bath every morning of his life.
If you wish to borrow £5 ask for £10.