I read it [history] a little as a duty, but it tells me nothing that does not either vex or weary me. The quarrels of popes and kings, with wars or pestilences, in every page; the men all so good for nothing, and hardly any women at all — it is very tiresome: and yet I often think it odd that it should be so dull, for a great deal of it must be invention.

A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.

Undoubtedly ... there is a meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. What bears affinity to cunning is despicable.

I never could be so happy as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can have your happiness.

I might as well enquire,” replied she, “why with so evident a design of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character?

I will not allow it to be more man's nature than woman's to be inconstant.

It is not every man's fate to marry the woman who loves him best