Jean Racine
A tragedy need not have blood and death; it's enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.Collection: Sad
There are no secrets that time does not reveal.Collection: Time
I have everything, yet have nothing; and although I possess nothing, still of nothing am I in want.
A noble heart cannot suspect in others the pettiness and malice that it has never felt.
Love is not a fire to be shut up in a soul. Everything betrays us: voice, silence, eyes; half-covered fires burn all the brighter.
Justice in the extreme is often unjust.
I am a man, and nothing that concerns a man do I deem a matter of indifference to me.
My death, taking the light from my eyes, gives back to the day the purity which they soiled.
I embrace my rival, but only to strangle him.
On the throne, one has many worries; and remorse is the one that weighs the least.
The glory of my name increases my shame. Less known by mortals, I could better escape their eyes.
Without money honor is merely a disease.
There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it with reluctance.
I know the disposition of women: when you will, they won't; when you won't, they set their hearts upon you of their own inclination.
Is a faith without action a sincere faith?
Hell, covering all with its gloomy vapors, has cast shadows on even the holiest eyes.
Do not they bring it to pass by knowing that they know nothing at all?
In fine, nothing is said now that has not been said before.
If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with anything.
It behooves a prudent person to make trial of everything before arms.
Many a time a man cannot be such as he would be, if circumstances do not admit of it.
Nothing is so difficult but that it may be found out by seeking.
According as the man is, so must you humour him.
It is a maxim of old that among themselves all things are common to friends.
How good is God! How sweet his yoke!
Thank the Gods! My misery exceeds all my hopes!
Too much virtue can be criminal.
I have pushed virtue to outright brutality.
The principal rule of art is to please and to move. All the other rules were created to achieve this first one.
The face of tyranny Is always mild at first.Collection: Faces
I can hear those glances that you think are silent.Collection: Communication
Extreme justice is often injustice.Collection: Justice
The part I remember best is the beginning.Collection: Remember
Small crimes always precedes great ones.Collection: Crime
I loved you when you were unfaithful; what would I have done if you were true?Collection: Infidelity
I will die if I lose you, but I will die if I wait longer.Collection: Choices
The quarrels of lovers are the renewal of love.Collection: Love
Love is not dumb. The heart speaks many ways.Collection: Love
Innocence has nothing to dread.Collection: Innocence
My only hope lies in my despair.Collection: Hope
Felicity is in possession, happiness in anticipation.Collection: Anticipation
Crime, like virtue, has its degrees.Collection: Degrees
Do you think you can be righteous and holy with impunity?Collection: Thinking
Wrinkles on the brow are the imprints of exploits.Collection: Wrinkles
He who will travel far spares his steed.Collection: Travel
And forever goodbye! Forever! Oh, Sir, can you imagine how dreadful this cruel word sounds when one loves?Collection: Goodbye
The heart that can no longer love passionately must with fury hate.Collection: Break Up
Sir, that much prudence calls for too much worry; I cannot foresee misfortunes so far away.Collection: Wisdom
You feign guilt in order to justify yourself.Collection: Order
A single word often betrays a great design.Collection: Writing