William Alexander, fully Sir William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling

Of all the tyrants that the world affords, our own affections are the fiercest lords.

Modern education too often covers the fingers with rings, and tat the same time cuts the sinews at the wrist.

The weaker sex, to piety more prone.

Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.

Yet with great toil all that I can attain by long experience, and in learned schools, is for to know my knowledge is but vain, and those that think them wise, are greatest fools.

Pride hated stands, and doth unpitied.

Words but direct, example must allure.

Those that think them wise, are greatest fools.