There have been occasions in my later life (I suppose as in most lives) when I have felt for a time as if a thick curtain had fallen on all its interest and romance, to shut me out from anything save dull endurance any more. Never has that curtain dropped so heavy and blank, as when my way in life lay stretched out straight before me through the newly-entered road of apprenticeship to Joe.

The American woman is a monstrosity.

... The sun does not shine upon this fair earth to meet frowning eyes, depend upon it.

But the words she spoke of Mrs Harris, lambs could not forgive ... nor worms forget.

Then idiots talk....of Energy. If there is a word in the dictionary under any letter from A to Z that I abominate, it is energy. It is such a conventional superstition, such parrot gabble! What the deuce!....But show me a good opportunity, show me something really worth being energetic about, and I'll show you energy.

Lord, keep my memory green.

It is an old prerogative of kings to govern everything but their passions.