It is useless to contend with the irresistible power of Time, which goes on continually creating by a process of constant destruction.

I may be permitted, kind reader, to doubt whether you have ever been enclosed in a glass bottle, unless some vivid dream has teased you with such magical mishaps.

There is nothing more marvelous or madder than real life.

There are men from whom nature or some peculiar destiny has removed the cover beneath which we hide our own madness. They are likethin-skinned insects whose visible play of muscles seem to make them deformed, though in fact, everything soon turns to its normal shape again.

It is only in the morning that one should marry, read unfavourable reviews, make one's will, beat one's servants, and so forth.

It is nearly always the most improbable things that really come to pass.

Boys should not play with weapons more dangerous than they understand.