In love affairs, there is no mediator like a merry, simple-hearted child - ever ready to cement divided hearts, to span the unfriendly gulf of custom, to melt the ice of cold reserve, and overthrow the separating walls of dread formality and pride.

To regret the exchange of earthly pleasures for the joys of Heaven, is as if the grovelling caterpillar should lament that it must one day quit the nibbled leaf to soar aloft and flutter through the air, roving at will from flower to flower, sipping sweet honey from their cups, or basking in their sunny petals.

I wished to tell the truth, for truth always conveys its own moral to those who are able to receive it.

I do believe a young lady can't be too careful who she marries.

The ties that bind us to life are tougher than you imagine, or than any one can who has not felt how roughly they may be pulled without breaking.

Reading is my favourite occupation, when I have leisure for it and books to read.

It is better to arm and strengthen your hero, than to disarm and enfeeble your foe.