In a certain reign there was a lady not of the first rank whom the emperor loved more than any of the others. The grand ladies with high ambitions thought her a presumptuous upstart, and lesser ladies were still more resentful. Everything she did offended someone.
Murasaki ShikibuIt is indeed in many ways more comfortable to belong to that section of society whose action are not publicly canvassed and discussed
Murasaki ShikibuHow much the more in judging of the human heart should we distrust all fashionable airs and graces, all tricks and smartness, learnt only to please the outward gaze
Murasaki Shikibu