“There was something very comfortable in having plenty of stationery.”

“In a utilitarian age, of all other times, it is a matter of grave importance that fairy tales should be respected.”

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

“Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers, and are famous preservers of good looks.”

“Mrs. Lammle's manner changed under the poor silly girl's embraces, and she turned extremely pale: directing one appealing look, first to Mrs. Boffin, and then to Mr. Boffin. Both understood her instantly, with a more delicate subtlety than much better educated people, whose perception came less directly from the heart, could have brought to bear upon the case.”

“You kiss by th' book.”

“Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood.”

“Manners require time, and nothing is more vulgar than haste.”

“Such antics do not amount to a man.”

“Do thou amend thy face, and I'll amend my life.”

“Is there no respect of place, persons, nor time in you?”

“Lord, I could not endure a husband with a beard on his face! I had rather lie in the woolen.”

“There is no slander in an allowed fool, though he do nothing but rail.”

“I will not be sworn but love may transform me to an oyster”

“Those that are good manners at the court are as ridiculous in the country, as the behavior of the country is most mockable at the court.”

“I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking: I could well wish courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment.”

“There is nothing settled in manners, but the laws of behavior yield to the energy of the individual.”