Salomé, Salomé, dance for me. I pray thee dance for me. I am sad to-night. Yes, I am passing sad to-night. When I came hither I slipped in blood, which is an evil omen; and I heard, I am sure I heard in the air a beating of wings, a beating of giant wings. I cannot tell what they mean .... I am sad to-night. Therefore dance for me. Dance for me, Salomé, I beseech you. If you dance for me you may ask of me what you will, and I will give it you, even unto the half of my kingdom.

No work of art ever puts forward views. Views belong to people who are not artists.

As for the virtuous poor, one can pity them of course, but one cannot possibly admire them.

He is really not so ugly after all, provided, of course, that one shuts one's eyes, and does not look at him.

I like talking to a brick wall- it's the only thing in the world that never contradicts me!

Always be a little unexpected.

There is no country in the world where machinery is so lovely as in America. It was not until I had seen the water-works at Chicago that I realised the wonders of machinery; the rise and fall of the steel rods, the symmetrical motion of the great wheels is the most beautiful rhythmic thing I have ever seen.