Ambitious men spend their youth in rendering themselves worthy of patronage; it is their great mistake. While the foolish creatures are laying in stores of knowledge and energy, so that they shall not sink under the weight of responsible posts that recede from them, schemers come and go who are wealthy in words and destitute of ideas, astonish the ignorant, and creep into the confidence of those who have a little knowledge.

There are as many mediocrities exalted through pity as masters decried through envy.

What is art? Nature concentrated.

Nothing is as heady as the wine of misfortune.

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

A husband and wife who are in the habit of occupying separate rooms are either beings apart, or they have found happiness. Either they hate or they adore each other.

Noble passions are like vices: the more they are satisfied, the greater they grow, Mothers and gamblers are insatiable.