It was not reason that besieged Troy; it was not reason that sent forth the Saracen from the desert to conquer the world; that inspired the crusades; that instituted the monastic orders; it was not reason that produced the Jesuits; above all, it was not reason that created the French Revolution. Man is only great when he acts from the passions; never irresistible but when he appeals to the imagination.

Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle, Old Age a regret.

All Paradise opens! Let me die eating ortolans to the sound of soft music!

The Athanasian Creed is the most splendid ecclesiastical lyric ever poured forth by the genius of man.

You can tell the strength of a nation by the women behind its men.

There is no diplomacy like silence.

All is mystery; but he is a slave who will not struggle to penetrate the dark veil.