Quotes by Sir Richard Steele

To give pain is the tyranny; to make happy, the true empire of beauty.

Zeal for the public good is the characteristic of a man of honor and a gentleman, and must take the place of pleasures, profits and all other private gratifications.

Will. Honeycomb calls these over-offended ladies the outrageously virtuous.

I know of no manner of speaking so offensive as that of giving praise, and closing with an exception.

Though her mien carries much more invitation than command, to behold her is an immediate check to loose behaviour; to love her was a liberal education.

Whenever you commend, add your reasons for doing so; it is this which distinguishes the approbation of a man of sense from the flattery of sycophants and admiration of fools.