109 Quotes by Fanny Burney

I cannot be much pleased without an appearance of truth; at least of possibility I wish the history to be natural though the sentiments are refined; and the characters to be probable, though their behaviour is excelling

For my part, I confess I seldom listen to the players: one has so much to do, in looking about and finding out one's acquaintance, that, really, one has no time to mind the stage. One merely comes to meet one's friends, and show that one's alive.

Insensibility, of all kinds, and on all occasions, most moves my imperial displeasure

In the bosom of her respectable family resided Camilla.

We continually say things to support an opinion, which we have given, that in reality we don't above half mean.

The mind is but too naturally prone to pleasure, but too easily yielded to dissipation

There is no looking at a building here after seeing Italy.

. . . Imagination took the reins, and Reason, slow-paced, though sure-footed, was unequal to a race with so eccentric and flighty a companion.

Indeed, the freedom with which Dr Johnson condemns whatever he disapproves is astonishing.