Quotes

Indeed, it may be laid down as a general principle, that the more extended the ancestry, the greater the amount of violence and vagabondism; for in ancient days those two amusements, combining a wholesome excitement with a promising means of repairing shattered fortunes, were at once the ennobling pursuit and the healthful recreation of the Quality of this land. ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens In this way they went on, and on, and on--in the language of the story-books--until at last the village lights appeared before them, and the church spire cast a long reflection on the graveyard grass; as if it were a dial (alas, the truest in the world!) marking, whatever light shone out of Heaven, the flight of days and weeks and years, by some new shadow on that solemn ground. ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens An evening wind uprose too, and the slighter branches cracked and rattled as they moved, in skeleton dances, to its moaning music. ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens A moment, and its glory was no more. The sun went down beneath the long dark lines of hill and cloud which piled up in the west an airy city, wall heaped on wall, and battlement on battlement; the light was all withdrawn; the shining church turned cold and dark; the stream forgot to smile; the birds were silent; and the gloom of winter dwelt on everything. ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens On the motionless branches of some trees, autumn berries hung like clusters of coral beads, as in those fabled orchards where the fruits were jewels. ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens "Ecod, you may say what you like of my father, then, and so I give you leave," said Jonas. "I think it's liquid aggravation that circulates through his veins, and not regular blood." ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens "Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he's well dressed. There ain't much credit in that." ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens "Here's the rule for bargains. 'Do other men, for they would do you.' That's the true business precept." ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens She stood for some moments gazing at the sisters, with affection beaming in one eye, and calculation out of the other. ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens But the words she spoke of Mrs Harris, lambs could not forgive . . . nor worms forget." ~ Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens