Once a king ... it was impossible, without risk of life, to sink to a private station.

Satan has his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and detested.

Thus strangely are our souls constructed, and by slight ligaments are we bound to prosperity and ruin.

Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.

You seek for knowledge and wisdom as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.

My candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open.

Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.