One man's life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought

The agony of my feelings allowed me no respite; no incident occurred from which my rage and misery could not extract its food.

But success shall crown my endeavours. Wherefore not? Thus far I have gone, tracking a secure way over the pathless seas: the very stars themselves being witnesses and testimonies of my triumph. Why not still proceed over the untamed yet obedient element? What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?

...learn from my miseries, and do not seek to increase your own.

Life is obstinate and clings closest where it is most hated.

There is something so different in Venice from any other place in the world, that you leave at once all accustomed habits and everyday sights to enter an enchanted garden.

Nothing is more painful to the human mind than, after the feelings have been worked up by a quick succession of events, the dead calmness of inaction and certainty which follows and deprives the soul both of hope and fear.