I think being condemned to death is the only real distinction," said Mathilde. "It is the only thing which cannot be bought.

I see but one rule: to be clear. If I am not clear, all my world crumbles to nothing.

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.

To seem sorrowful is not in good taste: You're supposed to seem bored.

Your career will be a painful one. I divine something in you which offends the vulgar.

The Russians imitate French ways, but always at a distance of fifty years.

The pleasures and the cares of the luckiest ambition, even of limitless power, are nothing next to the intimate happiness that tenderness and love give. I am man before being a prince, and when I have the good fortune to be in love, my mistress addresses a man and not a prince.