men love their wives not because of their virtues, but in spite of them.

I'm not to blame for an old body, but I would be to blame for an old soul. An old soul is a shameful thing.

... there must be reserves -- except with God. The human soul is solitary. But for confession that is different; justice and reparation sometimes demand it; but, again, justice and courage sometimes forbid it.

... is there anything more unjust than to build gold and brass and iron on poor, well-meaning clay, -- and then blame the clay when the whole image falls into dust?

A pint can't hold a quart - if it holds a pint it is doing all that can be expected of it.

I have heard that a man might be his own lawyer, but you can't be your own judge.

A sneer is like a flame; it may occasionally be curative because it cauterizes, but it leaves a bitter scar.