Signs cannot be represented, in a spy's report, so damningly as words.

A woman of generous character will sacrifice her life a thousand times over for her lover, but will break with him for ever over a question of pride.

For the future, I shall rely only upon those elements of my character which I have tested. Who would ever have said that I should find pleasure in shedding tears? That I should love the man who proves to me that I am nothing more than a fool?

There is no such thing as "natural law": this expression is nothing but old nonsense... Prior to laws, what is natural is only the strength of the lion, or the need of the creature suffering from hunger or cold, in short, need.

The pleasures of love are always in proportion to our fears.

A very small matter, when all is said; only a fool would be concerned about it.

Love is like a fever which comes and goes quite independently of the will. ... there are no age limits for love.