Suffering has roused them from the sleep of gentle life, and every day fills them with a terrible intoxication. They are now something more than themselves; those we loved were merely happy shadows.

I have too much respect for the idea of God to make it responsible for such an absurd world.

It is strange what a contempt men have for the joys that are offered them freely.

We can know nothing till after this grave debate. The soul must withdraw, for this is not its hour. Now the knife must divide the flesh, and lay the ravage bare, and do its work completely.

In the beds which the piety of the public has prepared on every side, stricken men await the verdict of fate.

The desire for order is the only order in the world.

Let us lose none of their humble words, let us note their slightest gestures, and tell me, tell me that we will think of them together, now and later, when we realise the misery of the times and the magnitude of their sacrifice.