Events are never absolute, their outcome depends entirely upon the individual. Misfortune is a stepping stone for a genius, a piscina for a Christian, a treasure for a man of parts, and an abyss for a weakling.

Doubt follows white-winged hope with trembling steps.

There is nothing original; all is reflected light.

We are never either so wretched or so happy as we say we are.

Vice is perhaps a desire to learn everything.

Self-love is as protective as the Deity; Disenchantment is as perspicacious as a surgeon; Experience is as provident as a mother. Such are the theologic virtues of marriage.

Conscience is a cudgel which all men pick up in order to thwack their neighbors instead of applying it to their own shoulders.