Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went before—consequences that are hardly ever confined to ourselves. And it is best to fix our minds on that certainty, instead of considering what may be the elements of excuse for us.

Better a wrong will than a wavering; better a steadfast enemy than an uncertain friend; better a false belief than no belief at all.

Childhood has no forebodings; but then, it is soothed by no memories of outlived sorrow.

The thing we look forward to often comes to pass, but never precisely in the way we have imagined to ourselves.

Our words have wings, but fly not where we would.

What business has an old bachelor like that to marry?' said Sir James. 'He has one foot in the grave.' 'He means to draw it out again, I suppose.

There is nothing that will kill a man so soon as having nobody to find fault with but himself.