When one's character begins to fall under suspicion and disfavor, how swift, then, is the work of disintegration and destruction.

I am aware that I am very old now; but I am also aware that I have never been so young as I am now, in spirit, since I was fourteen and entertained Jim Wolf with the wasps. I am only able to perceive that I am old by a mental process; I am altogether unable to feel old in spirit. It is a pity, too, for my lapses from gravity must surely often be a reproach to me. When I am in the company of very young people I always feel that I am one of them, and they probably privately resent it.

In Austria an editor who can write well is valuable, but he is not likely to remain so unless he can handle a sabre with charm.

Never waste a lie; you never know when you may need it.

There have been innumerable Temporary Seekers after the Truth-have you ever heard of a permanent one?

Deep down in me I knowed it was a lie, and He knowed it. You can't pray a lie - I found that out.

The darling mispronunciations of childhood! - dear me, there's no music that can touch it; and how one grieves when it wastes away and dissolves into correctness, knowing it will never visit his bereaved ear again.