The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.

One should never make one's entrance with a scandal. One should reserve that to give an interest to one's old age.

The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a distant organ

I don't like Switzerland; it has produced nothing but theologians and waiters.

Whenever a man does a thoroughly stupid thing, it is always from the noblest motives.

My dear young lady, there was a great deal of truth; I dare say, in what you said, and you looked very pretty while you said it, which is much more important.

Really, if the lower orders don't set a good example, what on earth is the use of them?