Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.

There is a sacred horror about everything grand. It is easy to admire mediocrity and hills; but whatever is too lofty, a genius as well as a mountain, an assembly as well as a masterpiece, seen too near, is appalling.

The sunshine was delightful, the foliage gently astir, more from the activity of birds than from the breeze. One gallant little bird, doubtless lovelorn, was singing his heart out at the top of a tall tree.

And do you know Monsieur Marius? I believe I was a little in love with you.

When grace combines with wrinkles, it is admirable. There is an indescribable light of dawn about intensely happy old age. . . . The young person is handsome, but the old, superb.

If you don't build castles in the air you won't build anything on the ground.

It is the essence of truth that it is never excessive.... We must not resort to the flame where only light is required.