One should never spurn a penitent criminal: in his despair he may become twice as much a criminal as before.
Mikhail LermontovAfraid of decision, I buried my finer feelings in the depths of my heart and they died there.
Mikhail LermontovI am like a mariner born and bred on board a buccaneer brig whose soul has become so inured to storm and strife that if cast ashore he would weary and languish no matter how alluring the shady groves and how bright the gentle sun.
Mikhail LermontovI love enemies, though not in the Christian way. They amuse me, excite my blood. Being always on oneโs guard, catching every glance, the significance of every word, guessing at intentions, frustrating their plots, pretending to be tricked, and suddenly, with a shove, upturning the whole enormous and arduously built edifice of their cunning and schemesโthatโs what I call life.
Mikhail Lermontov