JEAN RACINE

Nothing is so difficult but that it may be found out by seeking.

The glory of my name increases my shame. Less known by mortals, I could better escape their eyes.

A tragedy need not have blood and death; it's enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.

If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with anything.

In fine, nothing is said now that has not been said before.

How good is God! How sweet his yoke!

Many a time a man cannot be such as he would be, if circumstances do not admit of it.

There are no secrets that time does not reveal.

Love is not a fire to be shut up in a soul. Everything betrays us: voice, silence, eyes; half-covered fires burn all the brighter.

There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it with reluctance.

The quarrels of lovers are the renewal of love.

It is a maxim of old that among themselves all things are common to friends.

My death, taking the light from my eyes, gives back to the day the purity which they soiled.

On the throne, one has many worries; and remorse is the one that weighs the least.

Justice in the extreme is often unjust.

The principal rule of art is to please and to move. All the other rules were created to achieve this first one.

A noble heart cannot suspect in others the pettiness and malice that it has never felt.

It behooves a prudent person to make trial of everything before arms.

Is a faith without action a sincere faith?

I have everything, yet have nothing; and although I possess nothing, still of nothing am I in want.

Too much virtue can be criminal.

Without money honor is merely a disease.

I am a man, and nothing that concerns a man do I deem a matter of indifference to me.

I have pushed virtue to outright brutality.

Thank the Gods! My misery exceeds all my hopes!