The main question to a novel is -- did it amuse? were you surprised at dinner coming so soon? did you mistake eleven for ten? were you too late to dress? and did you sit up beyond the usual hour? If a novel produces these effects, it is good; if it does not -- story, language, love, scandal itself cannot save it. It is only meant to please; and it must do that or it does nothing.

No furniture is so charming as books.

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.

He not only overflowed with learning, but stood in the slop.

Human beings cling to their delicious tyrannies and to their exquisite nonsense, till death stares them in the face.

Oh, don't tell me of facts, I never believe facts; you know, [George] Canning said nothing was so fallacious as facts, except figures.

A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.