The difference between weakness and wickedness is much less than people suppose; and the consequences are nearly always the same.
Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of BlessingtonMen are capable of making great sacrifices, who are not willing to make the lesser ones, on which so much of the happiness of life depends. The great sacrifices are seldom called for, but the minor ones are in daily requisition; and the making them with cheerfulness and grace enhances their value.
Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of BlessingtonWe are more prone to murmur at the punishment of our faults than to lament them.
Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of BlessingtonWhen we bring back with us the objects most dear, and find those we left unchanged, we are tempted to doubt the lapse of time; but one link in the chain of affection broken, and every thing seems altered.
Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of BlessingtonSure there's different roads from this to Dungarvan* - some thinks one road pleasanter, and some think another; wouldn't it be mighty foolish to quarrel for this? - and sure isn't it twice worse to thry to interfere with people for choosing the road they like best to heaven?
Marguerite Gardiner, Countess of Blessington