If one's object is ascetic, it is far better to stay in London or Paris or New York; there is practically no extreme of heat or cold, physical risk, loneliness, hunger or thirst that cannot, with a little ingenuity, be conveniently achieved in the centres of civilization.

I'm one of the blind alleys off the main road of procreation.

When I reached C Company lines, which were at the top of the hill, I paused and looked back at the camp, just coming into full view below me through the grey mist of early morning.

There is practically no sense that is not violated every time we return from the country or the sea to Paris or London or New York.

Wine is a bride who brings a great dowry to the man who woos her persistently and gracefully.

All fates are ‘worse than death’.

If it could only be like this always - always summer, always alone, the fruit always ripe and Aloysius in a good temper.