I try to decorate my imagination as much as I can.

Why should the composer be more guilty than the poet who warms to fantasy by a strange flame, making an idea that inspires him the subject of his own very different treatment?

The greatest misfortune of the wise man and the greatest unhappiness of the fool are based upon convention.

Why does God endow us with compassion?

The world resembles a stage on which every man is playing a part.

Above all things, I must not get angry. If I do get angry I knock all the teeth out of the mouth of the poor wretch who has angered me.

When I wished to sing of love, it turned to sorrow. And when I wished to sing of sorrow, it was transformed for me into love.