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.

a perfect piece of architecture kindles that aimless reverie, which bears the soul we know not whither.

Of all human sentiments, enthusiasm creates the most happiness; it is the only sentiment in fact which gives real happiness, the only sentiment which can help us to bear our human destiny in any situation in which we may find ourselves.

New doctrines ever displease the old. They like to fancy that the world has been losing wisdom, instead of gaining it, since they were young.

The life of famous men was more glorious in antiquity; the life of obscure men is happier with the moderns.

Only the refined and delicate pleasures that spring from research and education can build up barriers between different ranks.

Prayer is the life of the soul.