To gaze into the depths of the sea is, in the imagination, like beholding the vast unknown, and from its most terrible point of view. The submarine gulf is analogous to the realm of night and dreams. There also is sleep, unconsciousness, or at least apparent unconsciousness, of creation. There in the awful silence and darkness, the rude first forms of life, phantomlike, demoniacal, pursue their horrible instincts.

If he had had all Peru in his pocket, he would certainly have given it to this dancer; but Gringoire had not Peru in his pocket; and besides, America was not yet discovered. (p. 66)

All the human and animal manure which the world wastes, if returned to the land, instead of being thrown into the sea, would suffice to nourish the world.

It is most pleasant to commit a just action which is disagreeable to someone whom one does not like.

This book should be read as one would read the book of a dead man.

The most beautiful of altars, he said, is the soul of an unhappy creature consoled and thankfing God.

My misfortune is that I still resemble a man too much. I should liked to be wholly a beast like that goat. - Quasimodo