Jean Racine Quotes

Vice, like virtue, Grows in small steps, and no true innocence Can ever fall at once to deepest guilt.

Flight is lawful, when one flies from tyrants.

She wavers, she hesitates; in one word — she is a woman.

This innocence begins to weigh me down.

It's no longer a warmth hidden in my veins: it's Venus entire and whole fastening on her prey.

Behind a veil, unseen yet present, I was the forceful soul that moved this mighty body.

Hippolytus can feel, and feels nothing for me!

The glory of my name increases my shame. Less known by mortals, I could better escape their eyes.

Do not they bring it to pass by knowing that they know nothing at all?

It is a maxim of old that among themselves all things are common to friends.

I loved you when you were unfaithful; what would I have done if you were true?

Sir, that much prudence calls for too much worry; I cannot foresee misfortunes so far away.

I will die if I lose you, but I will die if I wait longer.

Felicity is in possession, happiness in anticipation.

Small crimes always precedes great ones.

Love is not a fire to be shut up in a soul. Everything betrays us: voice, silence, eyes; half-covered fires burn all the brighter.

Crime, like virtue, has its degrees.

Honor, without money, is a mere malady.

Often it is fatal to live too long.

A tragedy need not have blood and death; it's enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.

The faith that acts not, is it truly faith?

Pain is unjust, and all the arguments That cannot soothe it only rouse suspicion.

What does it matter if, by chance, a little vile blood be spilled?

I embrace my rival, but only to strangle him.

I have pushed virtue to outright brutality.

Is a faith without action a sincere faith?

How good is God! How sweet his yoke!

You feign guilt in order to justify yourself.

The joys of the evil flow away like a torrent.

And forever goodbye! Forever! Oh, Sir, can you imagine how dreadful this cruel word sounds when one loves?

He who will travel far spares his steed.

Without money honor is merely a disease.

He who ruleth the raging of the sea, knows also how to check the designs of the ungodly. I submit myself with reverence to His Holy Will. O Abner, I fear my God, and I fear none but Him.

Wrinkles on the brow are the imprints of exploits.

Innocence has nothing to dread.

When I'm carried away, isn't it clear that my heart contradicts my mouth?

To repair the irreparable ravages of time.

There may be guilt when there is too much virtue.

Great crimes come never singly; they are linked To sins that went before.

Ah, why can't I know if I love, or if I hate?

Justice in the extreme is often unjust.

You who love wild passions, flee the holy austerity of my pleasures. All here breathes of God, peace and truth.

I have loved him too much not to hate

Sun, I come to see you for the last time.

He who bridles the fury of the billows knows also to put a stop to the secret plans of the wicked. Submitting with respect to His holy will, I fear God, and have no other fear.

And do you count for nothing God who fights for us?

If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with anything.

The part I remember best is the beginning.