Nothing is more wistful than the scent of lilac, nor more robust than its woody stalk, for we must remember that it is a tree as well as a flower, we must try not to forget this.

You must have some money if you are going to live simply. It need not be much, but you must have some.

There are moments of despair that come sometimes, when night sets in and a white fog presses against the windows. Then our house changes its shape, rears up and becomes a place of despair. Then fear and rage run simply--and the thought of Death as a friend. This is the simplest of thoughts, that Death must come when we call, although he is a god.

Unpopular, lonely and loving, Elinor need not trouble, For if she were not so loving, She would not be so miserable.

I don't think Auden liked my poetry very much, he's very Anglican.

Colours are what drive me most strongly.

A man may forgive many wrongs, but he cannot easily forgive anyone who makes it plain that his conversation is tedious.