Sublime

‘The greatest comfort, Camden, is that you have deserved it.’ ‘When a man gets a good berth, mother, half the deserving must come after,’ said the son, brimful of pleasure, and not trying to conceal it. The gladness in his face was of that active kind which seems to have energy enough not only to flash outwardly, but to light up busy vision within:

‘Gentlemen pay her attention, and engross her all to themselves, for the mere pleasure of the moment, and that drives off others. I think it is a heavy responsibility, Mr Lydgate, to interfere with the prospects of any girl.’ Here Mrs Bulstrode fixed her eyes on him, with an unmistakable purpose of warning, if not of rebuke. ‘Clearly,’ said Lydgate

But let the wise be warned against too great readiness at explanation: it multiplies the sources of mistake, lengthening the sum for reckoners sure to go wrong.

She was a part of that involuntary, palpitating life, and could neither look out on it from her luxurious shelter as a mere spectator, nor hide her eyes in selfish complaining.

Besides, there is a man’s character beforehand to speak for him.’ ‘But, my dear Mrs Casaubon,’ said Mr Farebrother, smiling gently at her ardour, ‘character is not cut in marble – it is not something solid and unalterable. It is something living and changing, and may become diseased as our bodies do.’

‘I never said you ought to be a clergyman. There are other sorts of work. It seems to me very miserable not to resolve on some course and act accordingly.’ ‘So I could, if –’ Fred broke off, and stood up, leaning against the mantelpiece. ‘If you were sure you should not have a fortune?’

I wonder who it was defined man as a rational animal. It was the most premature definition ever given.

It was not in Mr Bulstrode’s nature to comply directly in consequence of uncomfortable suggestions. Before changing his course, he always needed to shape his motives and bring them into accordance with his habitual standard.