If people like to read their books, it is all very well, but to be at so much trouble in filling great volumes, which, as I used to think, nobody would willingly ever look into, to be labouring only for the torment of little boys and girls, always struck me as a hard fate.

I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.

The most incomprehensible thing in the world to a man, is a woman who rejects his offer of marriage!

To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.

Everybody's heart is open, you know, when they have recently escaped from severe pain, or are recovering the blessing of health.

A very narrow income has a tendency to contract the mind, and sour the temper. Those who can barely live, and who live perforce in a very small, and generally very inferior, society, may well be illiberal and cross.

In a letter from Bath to her sister, Cassandra, one senses her frustration at her sheltered existence, Tuesday, 12 May 1801. Another stupid party . . . with six people to look on, and talk nonsense to each other.