400 Quotes by William Makepeace Thackeray

He had placed himself at her feet so long that the poor little woman had been accustomed to trample upon him. She didn't wish to marry him, but she wished to keep him. She wished to give him nothing, but that he should give her all. It is a bargain not unfrequently levied in love.

No, you are not worthy of the love which I have devoted to you. I knew all along that the prize I had set my life on was not worth the winning; that I was a fool, with fond fancies, too, bartering away my all of truth and ardour against your little feeble remnant of love. I will bargain no more: I withdraw.

They talked about each others’ houses, and characters, and families--just as the Joneses do about the Smiths.

So there was splendour and wealth, but no great happiness perchance, behind the tall caned portals of Gaunt House with its smoky coronets and ciphers. The feasts there were of the grandest in London, but there was not overmuch content therewith, except among the guests who sat at my lord’s table. Had he not been so great a Prince very few possibly would have visited him; but in Vanity Fair the sins of very great personages are looked at indulgently.

[As they say in the old legends]Before a man goes to the devil himself, he sends plenty of other souls thither.

The girl's sense of ridicule was far stronger than her gratitude.

What part of confidante has that poor teapot played ever since the kindlyplant was introduced among us. Why myriads of women have cried over it, tobe sure! What sickbeds it has smoked by! What fevered lips have received refreshment from it! Nature meant very kindly by women when she made thetea plant; and with a little thought, what a series of pictures and groupsthe fancy may conjure up and assemble round the teapot and cup.

The great quality of Dulness is to be unalterably contented with itself.

Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.