Organised brigandage has ceased to exist, but murder and highway robbery are still far too common in the less frequented districts. Travellers rarely suffer to-day, however. It is the wealthy inhabitants who run risks at the hand of the mafia, or lawless Sicilian.

Theatrical work means too much work or none.

Sunshine is more health-giving than pills and potions: and travel in foreign lands is a mental tonic, which feeds the mind even if it empties the pocket.

We all try to be alike in our youth, and individual in our middle age ... although we sometimes mistake eccentricity for individuality.

Many people with a wild desire to act prove failures on the stage, their inclinations are greater than their powers. Rarely is it the other way.

Adversity is the touchstone of character: it is not in success but in misfortune that hidden powers bear fruit.

He who buys what he does not want ends in wanting what he cannot buy.