Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.

The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them.

We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. They do not exist.

I don't dislike babies, though I think very young ones rather disgusting.

I feel sure that no girl would go to the altar if she knew all.

I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.

For a man to strike any women is most brutal, and I, as well as everyone else, think this far worse than any attempt to shoot, which, wicked as it is, is at least more comprehensible and more courageous.

The Queen is most anxious to enlist everyone in checking this mad, wicked folly of 'Women's Rights'. It is a subject which makes the Queen so furious that she cannot contain herself.

A marriage is no amusement but a solemn act, and generally a sad one.

When I think of a merry, happy, free young girl - and look at the ailing, aching state a young wife generally is doomed to - which you can't deny is the penalty of marriage.

Being married gives one one's position like nothing else can.

Everybody grows but me.

An ugly baby is a very nasty object - and the prettiest is frightful.

I think people really marry far too much; it is such a lottery after all, and for a poor woman a very doubtful happiness.

Music can affect for good or ill the body as well as the mind.

Music is not man's invention, but his heritage from the blessed spirits.