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.

...for a girl with eyes like hers has a will and is not ruled by anyone but a lover.

where I wholly love I wholly trust.

Girls could do most things as well as boys, and some things better.

Mothers can forgive anything! Tell me all, and be sure that I will never let you go, though the whole world should turn from you.

When I had youth I had no money; now I have the money I have no time; and when I get the time, if I ever do, I shall have no health to enjoy life. I suppose it's the discipline I need; but it's rather hard to love the things I do, and see them go by because duty chains me to my galley. If I ever come into port with all sails set, that will be my reward perhaps.

I love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up for any mortal man.