An occultation of Venus is not half so difficult as an eclipse of the sun, but because it comes seldom the world thinks it's a grand thing.

She is not refined. She is not unrefined. She keeps a parrot

One compliment can keep me going for a whole month.

The only certainties in life are death and taxes.

Humorists of the 'mere' sort cannot survive. Humor is only a fragrance, a decoration.

What is there in Rome for me to see that others have not seen before me? What is there for me to touch that others have not touched? What is there for me to feel, to learn, to hear, to know, that shall thrill me before it pass to others? What can I discover?--Nothing. Nothing whatsoever. One charm of travel dies here.

The truth is a precious commodity. That's why I use it so sparingly.