Does it not appear to you versatility is the true and rare characteristic of that rare thing called genius-versatility and playfulness? In my mind they are both essential.

I have still the best comforts of life - books and friendships - and I trust never to lose my relish for either.

I do not think very highly of Madame D'Arblay's books. The style is so strutting. She does so stalk about on Dr. Johnson's old stilts.

I have had a great misfortune; my dear old dog is dead.

There is no running away from a great grief.

That bad letters of every kind arise from want of the habit of thinking, I cannot doubt.

To think of playing cricket for hard cash! Money and gentility would ruin any pastime under the sun.