Only a mother knows a mother's fondness.

Muse, time has taught me that all metaphysical systems, even historical facts given as truths, are hardly that, so I amuse myself with more agreeable lies; I no longer read anything but novels.

It is 11 years since I have seen my figure in a glass [mirror]. The last reflection I saw there was so disagreeable I resolved to spare myself such mortification in the future.

It is the common error of builders and parents to follow some plan they think beautiful (and perhaps is so) without considering that nothing is beautiful that is misplaced.

I prefer liberty to chains of diamonds.

In short I will part with anything for you but you.

The one thing that reconciles me to the fact of being a woman is the reflection that it delivers me from the necessity of being married to one.