If I had learned to read I should not perhaps have stolen the bread. You see, I could not learn to read. When I was at the galleys, I learned. There was a school for convicts.

I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body… but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bed-chamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep.

If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be his punishment—as well as the prison.

I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished.

I wish I were a girl again, half savage and hardy, and free.

It was not intended as a compliment. It was a confession… Perhaps one should never put one’s worship into words.

I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle.