The violence we do to ourselves in order to remain faithful to the one we love is hardly better than an act of infidelity.

Constancy in love is of two sorts: One is the effect of new excellencies that are always presenting themselves afresh, and attractour affections continually; the other is only from a point of honor, and a taking of pride not to change.

Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself.

Virtue would not make such advances if there were not a little vanity to keep it company.

Chance corrects us of many faults that reason would not know how to correct.

It is as common for tastes to change as it is uncommon for traits of character.

Our repentances are generally not so much a concern and remorse for the harm we have done, as a fear of the harm we may have brought upon ourselves.