A novel should be as like life as a painting, but not as like life as a piece of waxwork.

- Mary Russell Mitford

We may admire people for being wise, but we like them best when they are foolish.

- Mary Russell Mitford

Autumn glows upon us like a splendid evening; it is the very sunset of the year.

- Mary Russell Mitford

The slightest emotion of disinterested kindness that passes through the mind improves and refreshes that mind, producing generous thought and noble f…

- Mary Russell Mitford

Friendship is the bread of the heart.

- Mary Russell Mitford

I place flowers in the very first rank of simple pleasures; and I have no very good opinion of the hard worldly people who take no delight in them.

- Mary Russell Mitford

There is no running away from a great grief.

- Mary Russell Mitford

Enthusiasm is very catching, especially when it is very eloquent.

- Mary Russell Mitford

I foresee that the Andersen and Fairy Tale fashion will not last; none of these things away from general nature do.

- Mary Russell Mitford