It would not be difficult to be a better ruler than I was: for I admit that I ruled badly; and even if I was fortunate enough to satisfy my subjects, I was not fortunate enough to satisfy myself.

There is a star above us which unites souls of the first order, though worlds and ages separate them.

Other things titillate me more keenly than the pale pleasures of marriage.

It is quite as ignominious to allow oneself to be deceived as to deceive.

Life is too short to be able to love as one should.

We read for instruction, for correction, and for consolation.

Nuns and married women are equally unhappy, if in different ways.