We understood one another better before ever I opened my mouth.

Never mind manoeuvres, always go at them..

After all a book can be represented as a conversation with one’s demon..

They will not be pleased. But they know we must catch the monsoon with a well-found ship; and they know they are in the Navy--they have chosen their ….

I sew his ears on from time to time, sure..

Wit is the unexpected copulation of ideas..

Although wealth may not bring happiness, the immediate prospect of it provides a wonderfully close imitation..

Go and see whether the Doctor is about,’ said Jack, ‘and if he is, ask him to look in, when he has a moment.’ Which he is in the fish-market, turning….

For my own part,' said Captain Aubrey, 'I have no notion of disliking a man for his beliefs, above all if he was born with them. I find I can get alo….

I do not say that all lawyers are bad, but I do maintain that the general tendency is bad: standing up in a court for whichever side has paid you, af….

For very strangely his officers looked upon Jack Aubrey as a moral figure, in spite of all proofs of the contrary....

Other people's marriages are a perpetual source of amazement..

Stephen had spared no expense in making himself more unhappy, his own position as a rejected lover clearer..

I am opposed to authority, that egg of misery and oppression; I am opposed to it largely for what it does to those who exercise it..

My dear creature, I have done with all debate. But you know as well as I, patriotism is a word; and one that generally comes to mean either MY COUNTR….

When you're taking a fence on a horse, you don't think much; your body does all the thinking, and you're over or you're not over. It's much the same ….

It meant that Diana had not waited for any explanation, however halting and imperfect, but had condemned him unheard; and this showed a much harder, ….

And she hates being managed - that is not the word I want. What is it, Maturin?' 'Manipulated.' 'Exactly. She is a dutiful girl - a great sense of du….

For me the process works best with no interruptions, no breaks in the steady application, no letters to be answered, very little social life, no holi….

But the tale or narrative set in the past may have its particular time-free value; and the candid reader will not misunderstand me, will not suppose ….

Why, sir," said he, looking about him, "what splendour I see: gold lace, breeches, cocked hats. Allow me to recommend a sandwich. And would you be co….