What, indeed, does not that word "cheerfulness" imply? It means a contented spirit, it means a pure heart, it means a kind and loving disposition; it means humility and charity; it means a generous appreciation of others, and a modest opinion of self.
William Makepeace ThackerayDare and the world always yields; or if it beats you sometimes, dare it again and it will succumb.
William Makepeace ThackerayTo see a young couple loving each other is no wonder; but to see an old couple loving each other is the best sight of all.
William Makepeace ThackerayA woman may possess the wisdom and chastity of Minerva, and we give no heed to her, if she has a plain face. What folly will not a pair of bright eyes make pardonable? What dullness may not red lips are sweet accents render pleasant? And so, with their usual sense of justice, ladies argue that because a woman is handsome, therefore she is a fool. O ladies, ladies! there are some of you who are neither handsome nor wise.
William Makepeace Thackeray