The books - the generous friends who met me without suspicion - the merciful masters who never used me ill!

Except in this ignorant and material century, men have always worn precious stuffs and beautiful colours as well as women.

But, ah me! where is the faultless human creature who can persevere in a good resolution, without sometimes failing and falling back?

The mystery which underlies the beauty of women is never raised above the reach of all expression until it has claimed kindred with the deeper mystery in our own souls.

Let the music speak to us of tonight, in a happier language than our own.

Habits of literary composition are perfectly familiar to me. One of the rarest of all the intellectual accomplishments that a man can possess is the grand faculty of arranging his ideas. Immense privilege! I possess it. Do you?

I haven't much time to be fond of anything ... but when I have a moment's fondness to bestow, most times ... the roses get it. I began my life among them in my father's nursery garden, and I shall end my life among them, if I can. Yes. One of these days (please God) I shall retire from catching thieves, and try my hand at growing roses.