Words become luminous when the poet's finger has passed over them its phosphorescence.

I do not call reason that brutal reason which crushes with its weight what is holy and sacred, that malignant reason which delights in the errors it succeeds in discovering, that unfeeling and scornful reason which insults credulity.

He who cannot see the beautiful side is a bad painter, a bad friend, a bad lover; he cannot lift his mind and his heart so high as goodness.

Strength is natural, but grace is the growth of habit. This charming quality requires practice if it is to become lasting.

The true character of epistolary style is playfulness and urbanity.

Grace imitates modesty, as politeness imitates kindness.

Know that morality is a curb, not a spur.