In my position you have to read when you want to write and to talk when you would like to read.

the title of Queen rang sweet to my ears, child though I was. ... This idea of a crown began running in my head then like a tune, and has been running a lot in it ever since.

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

What right can give anyone authority to inflict torture upon a citizen when it is still unknown whether he is innocent or guilty?

The use of torture is contrary to sound judgment and common sense. Humanity itself cries out against it, and demands it to be utterly abolished.

Men make love more intensely at 20, but make love better, however, at 30.

In politics a capable ruler must be guided by circumstances, conjectures and conjunctions.