Are wars anything but the means whereby a nation is nourished, whereby it is strengthened, whereby it is buttressed?

Conversation, like certain portions of the anatomy, always runs more smoothly when lubricated.

The degradation which characterizes the state into which you plunge him by punishing him pleases, amuses, and delights him. Deep down he enjoys having gone so far as to deserve being treated in such a way.

I've already told you: the only way to a woman's heart is along the path of torment. I know none other as sure.

Behold, my love, behold all that I simultaneously do: scandal, seduction, bad example, incest, adultery, sodomy! Oh, Satan! one and unique God of my soul, inspire thou in me something yet more, present further perversions to my smoking heart, and then shalt thou see how I shall plunge myself into them all!

Is it not of the imagination that the sharpest pleasures arise?

The most fortunate of persons is he who has the most means to satisfy his vagaries.