There is, in lovers, a certain infatuation of egotism; they will have a witness of their happiness, cost that witness what it may.

I loved him very much - more than I could trust myself to say - more than words had power to express." - Jane Eyre

Wise people say it is folly to think anybody perfect; and as to likes and dislikes, we should be friendly to all, and worship none

Monsieur, sit down; listen to me. I am not a heathen, I am not hard-hearted, I am not unchristian, I am not dangerous, as they tell you; I would not trouble your faith; you believe in God and Christ and the Bible, and so do I.

Men, in general, are a sort of scum, very different to anything of which you have an idea.

I hold another creed, which no one ever taught me, and which I seldom mention, but in which I delight, and to which I cling, for it extends hope to all; it makes eternity a rest - a mighty home, not a terror and an abyss. Besides, with this creed, I can so clearly distinguish between the criminal and his crime; I can so sincerely forgive the first while I abhor the last; with this creed, revenge never worries my heart, degradation never too deeply disgusts me, injustice never crushes me too low. I live in calm, looking to the end.

If life be a war, it seemed my destiny to conduct it single-handed.