I go into my library, and all history unrolls before me. I breathe the morning air of the world while the scent of Eden's roses yet lingered in it, while it vibrated only to the world's first brood of nightingales, and to the laugh of Eve. I see the pyramids building; I hear the shoutings of the armies of Alexander.

How deeply seated in the human heart is the liking for gardens and gardening.

A tender sadness drops upon my soul, like the soft twilight dropping on the world.

Trifles make up the happiness or the misery of mortal life.

The only thing a man knows is himself.

Vanity in its idler moments is benevolent, is as willing to give pleasure as to take it, and accepts as sufficient reward for its services a kind word or an approving smile.

If you wish to preserve your secret, wrap it up in frankness.