In my younger days I struggled constantly with an overwhelming but pure love affair - my only one, and I would have struggled with it longer had not premature death, bitter but salutary for me, extinguished the cooling flames. I certainly wish I could say that I have always been entirely free from desires of the flesh, but I would be lying if I did.

For style beyond the genius never dares.

All pleasure in the world is a passing dream.

To begin with myself, then, the utterances of men concerning me will differ widely, since in passing judgment almost every one is influenced not so much by truth as by preference, and good and evil report alike know no bounds.

The end of doubt is the beginning of repose.

There is no lighter burden, nor more agreeable, than a pen.

A good death does honour to a whole life.