So she enjoyed herself heartily, and found, what isn't always the case, that her granted wish was all she had hoped.

... for it is the small temptations which undermine integrity unless we watch and pray and never think them too trivial to be resisted.

Laurie felt just then that his heart was entirely broken and the world a howling wilderness.

I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queen's on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

I don't pretend to be wise, but I am observing, and I see a great deal more than you'd imagine. I'm interested in other people's experiences and inconsistencies, and, though I can't explain, I remember and use them for my own benefit.

hither,hither, from thy home,airy sprite, i bid thee come! born of roses, fed on dew, charms and potions canst thow brew? bring me here, with elfin speed,the fragment philter witch i need; make it sweet and swift and stong, spirite amserw now my song hither i come, from my airy home, afar silver moon. take magic spell, and use it well. or its powers will vanish soon!

The dirt is picturesque, so I don't mind.