The first task of the Magician in every ceremony is therefore to render his Circle absolutely impregnable.

Unspeakable is the variety of form and immeasurable the diversity of beauty, but in all is the seal of unity.

The best models of English writing are Shakespeare and the Old Testament.

She knew that she belonged to this man, body and soul. Every trace of shame departed; it was burnt out by the fire that consumed her. She gave him a thousand opportunities; she fought to turn his words to serious things. He baffled her with his shallow smile and ready tongue, that twisted all topics to triviality. By six o'clock she was morally on her knees before him; she was imploring him to stay to dinner with her. He refused.

There is no grace: there is no guilt: This is the Law: DO WHAT THOU WILT!

I was asked to memorise what I did not understand; and, my memory being so good, it refused to be insulted in that manner.

It sometimes strikes me that the whole of science is a piece of impudence; that nature can afford to ignore our impertinent interference. If our monkey mischief should ever reach the point of blowing up the earth by decomposing an atom, and even annihilated the sun himself, I cannot really suppose that the universe would turn a hair.