The best painters, as they progress in reputation and towards perfection, are found to dispense more and more with the technique of the art, for simpler methods. Simplicity never fails to charm.

Nothing is as heady as the wine of misfortune.

Marriage is a fight to the death. Before contracting it, the two parties concerned implore the benediction of Heaven because to promise to love each other forever is the rashest of enterprises.

Six weeks with a fever is an eternity.

You're a fine fastidious young man, as proud as a lion, as gentle as a girl. You'd make a good catch for the devil.

Wisdom is that apprehension of heavenly things to which the spirit rises through love.

Priests, magistrates and ladies never quite take off their gowns.