I am not your dear; I cannot lie down: send me to school soon, Mrs. Reed, for I hate to live here.

Life is still life, whatever its pangs; our eyes and ears and their use remain with us, though the prospect of what pleases be wholly withdrawn, and the sound of what consoles must be silenced.

Die without me if you will. Live for me if you dare.

The charm of variety there was not, nor the excitement of incident; but I liked peace so well, and sought stimulus so little, that when the latter came I almost felt it a disturbance, and rather still wished it had held aloof.

I seem to have gathered up a stray lamb in my arms: you wandered out of the fold to seek your shepherd, did you, Jane?

Every atom of your flesh is as dear to me as my own: in pain and sickness it would still be dear.

To you I am neither man nor woman. I come before you as an author only.