We are no more free agents than the queen of clubs when she victoriously takes prisoner the knave of hearts.
Tis the established custom [in Vienna] for every lady to have two husbands, one that bears the name, and another that performs the duties.
one would suffer a great deal to be happy.
Forgive what you can't excuse.
One can never outlive one's vanity.
[On her political writings:] It is, I confess, very possible that these my Labours may only be destined to line Trunks, or preserve roast Meat from too fierce a Fire; yet in that Shape I shall be useful to my Country.