“A pretty woman is a welcome guest.”

She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes.

Come what may, I have been blest.

What should I have known or written had I been a quiet, mercantile politician or a lord in waiting? A man must travel, and turmoil, or there is no existence.

The first moment of an universal republic would convert me into an advocate for single and uncontradicted despotism.

The tiger will himself intervene in the discussion, in a manner which will be in every sense conclusive.

The devil was the first democrat

Of religion I know nothing — at least, in its favor.

This is to be mortal, And seek the things beyond mortality.

Damn description, it is always disgusting.

The best prophet of the future is the past.

I deny nothing, but doubt everything.

Few things surpass old wine; and they may preach Who please, the more because they preach in vain

Friendship may, and often does, grow into love, but love never subsides into friendship.

Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey.

I learned to love despair.

I do not believe in any religion, I will have nothing to do with immortality. We are miserable enough in this life without speculating upon another.

I always tell people that if you really want to know somebody, they should listen to that person’s interview with me. I spend a lot of time with my guests.

Guests are the delight of leisure, and the solace of ennui.

No guest is so welcome in a friend’s house that he will not become a nuisance after three days.

No one can be so welcome a guest that he will not become an annoyance when he has stayed three continuous days in a friend’s house.

The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the number of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, i.e., it should begin with three and stop at nine.

God, provide me with enough sustenance that my family is taken care of, that neither I remain hungry, nor does my guest go unfed.

The Night is young & full of rest I can’t describe the way she’s dress’d She’ll pander to some strange requests Anything that you suggest Anything to please her guest.

When you feel most alive, find out why, This is one guest you won’t greet twice.