High rank and soft manners may not always belong to a true heart.

I have no ambition to surprise my reader. Castles with unknown passages are not compatible with my homely muse.

It's dogged as does it. It ain't thinking about it.

When a man is ill nothing is so important to him as his own illness.

And though it is much to be a nobleman, it is more to be a gentleman.

I run great risk of failing. It may be that I shall encounter ruin where I look for reputation and a career of honor. The chances are perhaps more in favour of ruin than of success. But, whatever may be the chances, I shall go on as long as any means of carrying on the fight are at my disposal.

Easy reading requires hard writing.