I had some short struggle in my mind whether I should resign my lover or my liberty, but this lasted not long. I found myself as free as air and could not bear the thought of putting myself in any man's power for life only from a present capricious inclination.
Sarah FieldingTheir virtues lived in their children. The family changed its persons but not its manners, and they continued a blessing to the world from generation to generation.
Sarah FieldingYet if strict criticism should till frown on our method, let candor and good humor forgive what is done to the best of our judgment, for the sake of perspicuity in the story and the delight and entertainment of our candid reader.
Sarah FieldingI am none of those nonsensical fools that can whine and make romantic love--I leave that to younger brothers. Let my estate speakfor me.
Sarah FieldingTis this desire of bending all things to our own purposes which turns them into confusion and is the chief source of every error in our lives.
Sarah FieldingI often used to think myself in the case of the fox-hunter, who, when he had toiled and sweated all day in the chase as if some unheard-of blessing was to crown his success, finds at last all he has got by his labor is a stinking nauseous animal. But my condition was yet worse than his; for he leaves the loathsome wretch to be torn by his hounds, whilst I was obliged to fondle mine, and meanly pretend him to be the object of my love.
Sarah Fielding