Dorothy Osborne: Quotes.

I shall never be persuaded that marriage has a charm
to raise love out of nothing, much less out of dislike.
[1653] p.45-46

[F]or me 'tis a better-natured and a less fault to believe
too much than to distrust where there is no cause.
March 5th [1653] p.48

I am not apt to suspect without just cause, but in earnest
if I once find anybody faulty towards me, they lose me for ever;
I have forsworn being twice deceived by the same person.
[1653] p.57

Once more good-night. I am half in a dream already.
[1653]

I agree with you, too, that I do not see any great likelihood
of the change of our fortunes, and that we have much more
to wish than to hope for; but 'tis so common a calamity that
I dare not murmur at it; better people have endured it, and I
can give no reason why (almost) all are denied the satisfaction
of disposing themselves to their own desires, but that it is a
happiness too great for this world, and might endanger one's
forgetting the next.
[1653]

I know no reason I have to believe that beauty is any
argument to make you like people; unless I had more
on't myself.
[1653]

[My brother] is of opinion that all passions have more
of trouble than satisfaction in them, and therefore they
are happiest that have least of them.
[1653]

[Let] me ask you if you have seen a book of poems
newly come out, made by my Lady Newcastle? For
God's sake if you meet with it send it to me; they say
'tis ten times more extravagant than her dress. Sure,
the poor woman is a little distracted, she could never
be so ridiculous else as to venture at writing books,
and in verse too. If I should not sleep this fortnight I
should not come to that.
[1653]

[A] real kindness is so far beyond all compliment,
that it never appears more than when there is least
of t'other mingled with it.
[1653]

You need not send me my Lady Newcastle's book
at all, for I have seen it, and am satisfied that there are
many soberer people in Bedlam. I'll swear her friends
are much to blame to let her go abroad.
[1653]

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D. Osborne | Life | Works | Links | Essays | Books | 17th C. Eng. Lit.