it is better to inspire a reform than to enforce it.

If I may venture to be frank I would say about myself that I was every inch a gentleman.

The trouble is that my heart is loath to be without love even for a single hour. ... If you want to keep me forever, then show as much friendship as love, and more than anything else, love me and tell me the truth.

I like to praise and reward in a loud voice and to scold in a whisper.

I beg you take courage; the brave soul can mend even disaster.

I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.

If Russians knew how to read, they would write me off.