There are no crimes and no criminals in these days. What is the use of having brains in our profession? I know well that I have it in me to make my name famous. No man lives or has ever lived who has brought the same amount of study and of natural talent to the detection of crime which I have done. And what is the result? There is no crime to detect, or, at most, some bungling villainy with a motive so transparent that even a Scotland Yard official can see through it.

Was it hardness, was it selfishness, that she should ask me to risk my life for her own glorification? Such thoughts may come to middle age; but never to ardent three-and-twenty in the fever of his first love.

No violence, gentlemen — no violence, I beg of you! Consider the furniture!

Everything comes in circles. [...] The old wheel turns, and the same spoke comes up. It's all been done before, and will be again.

How sweet the morning air is! ...How small we feel with our petty ambitions and strivings in the presence of the great elemental forces of Nature!

It is more than possible; it is probable.

It's quite exciting," said Sherlock Holmes, with a yawn.