Imagination! Imagination! I put it first years ago, when I was asked what qualities I thought necessary for success on the stage.

Conceit is an insuperable obstacle to all progress.

The picture of me is nearly finished, and I think it is magnificent. The green and blue of the dress is splendid, and the expression as Lady Macbeth holds the crown over her head is quite wonderful.

Wonderful women! Have you ever thought how much we all, and women especially, owe to Shakespeare for his vindication of women in these fearless, high-spirited, resolute and intelligent heroines?

Coroners' inquests by learned societies can't make Shakespeare a dead man.

Security is mortal's chiefest enemy.

There is all the difference in the world between departure from recognised rules by one who has learned to obey them, and neglect of them through want of training or want of skill or want of understanding. Before you can be eccentric you must know where the circle is.

Only a great actor finds the difficulties of the actor's art infinite.

Before you can be eccentric, you must know where the circle is.

The tragedian will always be a limited tragedian if he has not learned how to laugh. The comedian who cannot weep will never touch the highest levels of mirth.