Sorrow concealed, like an oven stopp’d,
doth burn the heart to cinders where it is.
(Shakespeare: Titus Andronicus.)
Charles Lamb, «My theory…»
My theory is to enjoy life,
but the practice is against it.
(Charles Lamb: Letters.)
Pascal, «A trifle…»
A trifle consoles us because a trifle upsets us.
(Pascal: Pensées.)
John Gay, «A moment of time…»
A moment of time may make us
unhappy for ever.
(John Gay: The Beggar’s Opera.)
Hermann Hesse, «Happiness…»
Happiness is a how, not a what;
a talent, not an object.
(Hermann Hesse: Collected Letters.)
Benjamin Disraeli, «The sense of existence…»
The sense of existence
is the greatest happiness.
(Benjamin Disraeli: Contarini Fleming.)
La Bruyère, «Sudden love…»
Sudden love takes
the longest time to be cured.
(La Bruyère: Of the Affections.)
Ovid, «Take away leisure…»
Take away leisure
and Cupid’s bow is broken.
(Ovid: Remedia Amoris.)
Vauvenargues, «Habit…»
Habit is everything – even in love.
(Vauvenargues: Reflections and Maxims.)
Callimachus, «Lover’s vows…»
Lovers’ vows do not reach the ears of the gods.
(Callimachus.)