If only the sense of actuality can be lulled-and it sleeps for ever in most historians-there is no passion that cannot be gratified in the past.

Of course he despised the world as a whole; every thoughtful man should; it is almost a test of refinement.

All men are equal — all men, that is to say, who possess umbrellas.

To trust people is a luxury in which only the wealthy can indulge; the poor cannot afford it.

If there is on earth a house with many mansions, it is the house of words.

English literature is a flying fish.

Why children?' he asked. 'Why always children? For love to end where it begins is far more beautiful, and Nature knows it.