Lord Byron

To be perfectly original one should think much and read little, and this is impossible, for one must have read before one has learnt to think.

I am ashes where once I was fire.

I am so changeable, being everything by turns and nothing long - such a strange melange of good and evil.

The bright sun was extinguish'd, and the stars Did wander darkling in the eternal space.

All human history attests That happiness for man, - the hungry sinner! - Since Eve ate apples, much depends on dinner. ~Lord Byron, Don Juan, Canto XIII, stanza 99

What deep wounds ever closed without a scar? The hearts bleed longest, and heals but to wear That which disfigures it.

Who tracks the steps of glory to the grave?

'Tis sweet to know there is an eye will mark our coming, and look brighter when we come.

He who surpasses or subdues mankind, must look down on the hate of those below.

To withdraw myself from myself has ever been my sole, my entire, my sincere motive in scribbling at all.

'Tis very certain the desire of life prolongs it.

Society is now one polished horde, formed of two mighty tries, the Bores and Bored.

And life 's enchanted cup but sparkles near the brim.

Let none think to fly the danger for soon or late love is his own avenger.

Between two worlds life hovers like a star, twixt night and morn, upon the horizon's verge.

They never fail who die in a great cause.

Prolonged endurance tames the bold.

I do detest everything which is not perfectly mutual.

Men love in haste, but they detest at leisure.

America is a model of force and freedom and moderation - with all the coarseness and rudeness of its people.

There's naught, no doubt, so much the spirit calms as rum and true religion.