No great deed is done by falterers who ask for certainty.

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

It is pleasant to have a kind word now and then when one is not near enough to have a kind glance or a hearty shake by the hand.

Affection is the broadest basis of a good life.

A mother's yearning feels the presence of the cherished child even in the degraded man.

Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection entertains a sacrifice. Our thoughts are often worse than we are, just as they are often better.

Whether happiness may come or not, one should try and prepare one's self to do without it.