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?

What matters in a character is not whether one holds this or that opinion: what matters is how proudly one upholds it.

[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.

There is no second country for an Englishman, except a ship and the sea.

Love which is only an episode in the life of men, is the entire history of the life of women.

The voice of conscience is so delicate that it is easy to stifle it; but it is also so clear that it is impossible to mistake it.

Between God and love, I recognize no mediator but my conscience.