What men want is not talent, it is purpose; in other words, not the power to achieve, but the will to labor.

We cannot of ourselves estimate the degree of our success in what we strive for.

It is an error to suppose that courage means courage in everything. Most people are brave only in the dangers to which they accustom themselves, either in imagination or practice.

If a good face is a letter of recommendation, a good heart is a letter of credit.

Death is the only monastery; the tomb is the only cell, and the grave that adjoins the convent is the bitterest mock of its futility.

At court one becomes a sort of human ant eater, and learns to catch one's prey by one's tongue.

The bold sympathize with the bold; and in great hearts, there is always a certain friendship for a gallant foe.