The ordinary true, or purely real, cannot be the object of the arts. Illusion on a ground of truth,--that is the secret of the fine arts.

It would be next to impossible to discover a handsome woman who was not also a vain woman.

Genuine witticisms surprise those who say them as much as those who listen to them; they arise in us in spite of us, or, at least, without our participation,--like everything inspired.

We always believe God is like ourselves, the indulgent think him indulgent and the stern, terrible.

God is the place where I do not remember the rest.

How many weak shoulders have craved heavy burdens!

When one has too great a dread of what is impending, one feels some relief when the trouble has come.