Were it not for the amusement of our books, we should be moped to death for want of occupation. It rains incessantly. ... we tickle ourselves in order to laugh; to so low an ebb are we reduced.
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise de SevigneGloom and sadness are poison to us, and the origin of hysterics. You are right in thinking that this disease is in the imagination; you have defined it perfectly; it is vexation which causes it to spring up, and fear that supports it.
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise de SevigneI love you so passionately, that I hide a great part of my love, so as not to oppress you with it.
Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise de Sevigne