Magnanimity is above circumstance; and any virtue which depends on that is more of constitution than of principle.

The perfection of outward loveliness is the soul shining through its crystalline covering.

Don't live to please others. Don't think everyone else knows what's right or true. Listen to yourself, and be true to yourself. That way, no matter what else happens in life, you will always have your self-respect.

Compulsion hardly restores right; love yields all things.

Magnanimity is above circumstance; and any virtue which depends on that is more of constitution than of principle.

Virtue, without the graces, is like a rich diamond unpolished--it hardly looks better than a common pebble; but when the hand of the master rubs off the roughness, and forms the sides into a thousand brilliant surfaces, it is then that we acknowledge its worth, admire its beauty, and long to wear it in our bosoms.

Virtue is despotic; life, reputation, every earthly good, must be surrendered at her voice. The law may seem hard, but it is the guardian of what it commands; and is the only sure defence of happiness.