Obscurity and affectation are the two great faults of style. Obscurity
of expression generally springs from confusion of ideas; and the same
wish to dazzle, at any cost, which produces affectation in the manner of
a writer, is likely to produce sophistry in his reasoning.--_Macaulay._
Style is the gossamer on which the seeds of truth float through the
world.--_Bancroft._
The lively phraseology of Montesquieu was the result of long meditation.
His words, as light as wings, bear on them grave
reflections.--_Joubert._
~Subordination.~--The usual way that men adopt to appease the wrath of
those whom they have offended, when they are at their mercy, is humble
submission; whereas a bold front, a firm and resolute bearing,--means
the very opposite,--have been at times equally
successful.--_Montaigne._