The Ordinary Life: the misery seems planned, the happiness accidental.
Human nature is a scoundrel's favorite explanation.
Failure makes us envious. Success makes us greedy.
The aphorism wants to be at the same time both main line and off beat.
Narcissus weeps to find that his Image does not return his love.
The Lady: a fluty voice, sensible shoes, a melancholy sense of living by rules few still remember.