Thank you, darling, for learning to play chess. It is an absolute necessity for any well organized family. (in a letter to his wife)

Write for pleasure and publish for money.

Don't be sad, don't be angry, if life deceives you! Submit to your grief - your time for joy will come, believe me.

I was not born to amuse the Tsars.

I loved you; even now I may confess, Some embers of my love their fire retain; But do not let it cause you more distress, I do not want to sadden you again. Hopeless and tongue tied, yet I loved you dearly With pangs the jealous and the timid know; So tenderly I loved you, so sincerely, I pray God grant another love you so.

I am married and happy. My only wish is that nothing will change.

I have outlasted all desire, My dreams and I have grown apart; My grief alone is left entire, The gleamings of an empty heart. The storms of ruthless dispensation Have struck my flowery garland numb, I live in lonely desolation And wonder when my end will come. Thus on a naked tree-limb, blasted By tardy winter's whistling chill, A single leaf which has outlasted Its season will be trembling still.