Art speaks only to the mind, whereas nature speaks to all the faculties.

The marriage vow is an absurdity imposed by society.

I see upon their noble brows the seal of the Lord, for they were born kings of the earth far more truly than those who possess it only from having bought it.

I'm not full of virtues and noble qualities. I love, but I love strongly, exclusive, stedfasty.

a woman's heart has no wrinkles.

I was born to love - but none of you wanted to believe it, and that misunderstanding was crucial in forming my character. It's true that nature was strangely inconsistent in giving me a warm heart, but also a face that was like a stone mask and a tongue that was heavy and slow. She refused me what she bestowed freely on even the most loutish of my fellow men. . . . People judged my inner character by my outer covering, and like a sterile fruit, I withered under the rough husk I couldn't slough off.

O heart! love is thy bane and thy antidote.