Oh, Vanity of vanities! How wayward the decrees of Fate are; How very weak the very wise, How very small the very great are!
William Makepeace ThackerayWhy do they always put mud into coffee on board steamers? Why does the tea generally taste of boiled boots?
William Makepeace ThackerayThe two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, familiar things new.
William Makepeace ThackerayHint at the existence of wickedness in a light, easy, and agreeable manner, so that nobody's fine feelings may be offended.
William Makepeace ThackerayCertain it is that scandal is good brisk talk, whereas praise of one's neighbor is by no means lively hearing. An acquaintance grilled, scored, devilled, and served with mustard and cayenne pepper excites the appetite; whereas a slice of cold friend with currant jelly is but a sickly, unrelishing meat.
William Makepeace Thackeray