I'll tell you what's the greatest power under heaven, and that is public opinion-the ruling belief in society about what is right and what is wrong, what is honourable and what is shameful. That's the steam that is to work the engines.

It is a fact capable of amiable interpretation that ladies are not the worst disposed towards a new acquaintance of their own sex, because she has points of inferiority.

I flutter all ways, and fly in none.

When we get to wishing a great deal for ourselves, whatever we get soon turns into mere limitation and exclusion.

Those bitter sorrows of childhood!-- when sorrow is all new and strange, when hope has not yet got wings to fly beyond the days and weeks, and the space from summer to summer seems measureless.

Blows are sarcasms turned stupid.

... learning to love any one is like an increase of property, -- it increases care, and brings many new fears lest precious things should come to harm.