I want to write such things as compel the admiring acclamation of the world at large, such things as are written but once in years, things subtle but distinctly different from the books written every day.

Of poets I put Virgil first - he was greatest.

One's thoughts are one's most crucial adventures. Seriously and strongly and intently to contemplate doing murder is everyway more exciting, more romantic, more profoundly tragic than the murder done.

The art of Good Eating has two essential points: one must eat only when one is hungry, and one must take small bites.

May I never, I say, become that abnormal, merciless animal, that deformed monstrosity - a virtuous woman.

I would rather be a fairly happy wife and mother.

I never give my real self. I have a hundred sides, and I turn first one way and then the other. I am playing a deep game. I have a number of strong cards up my sleeve. I have never been myself, excepting to two friends.