it is the nature of human beings, and especially of the mediocre ones, to wish to change everything. They desire it all the more because they know popularity will accrue rather to those who disturb than to those who maintain order.

If the people have no bread, let them eat cake.

No one understands my ills, nor the terror that fills my breast, who does not know the heart of a mother.

I had friends. The idea of being forever separated from them and from all their troubles is one of the greatest sorrows that I suffer in dying. Let them at least know that to my latest moment I thought of them.

I have come, Sire, to complain of one of your subjects who has been so audacious as to kick me in the belly.

We had a beautiful dream and that was all. The interest of my son is the only guide I have, and whatever happiness I could achieve by being free of this place I cannot consent to separate my self from him. I could not have any pleasure in the world if I abandoned my children. I do not even have any regrets.

Courage? The moment when my troubles are going to end is not the moment when my courage is going to fail me.