in Italy, almost at every step, history and poetry add to the graces of nature, sweeten the memory of the past, and seem to preserve it in eternal youth.

Life, for me, is living among my friends.

Divine Wisdom, intending to detain us some time on earth, has done well to cover with a veil the prospect of the life to come; for if our sight could clearly distinguish the opposite bank, who would remain on this tempestuous coast of time?

[Moralistic] novels are at the same disadvantage as teachers: children never believe them, because they make everything that happens relate to the lesson at hand.

The thing that must be preserved in all situations whatever is the reputation of one's character.

How true it is that, sooner or later, the' most rebellious must bow beneath the yoke of misfortune!

Gaiety pleases more when we are assured that it does not cover carelessness.