Quote

I cannot be much pleased without an appearance of truth at least of possibility I wish the history to be natural though the sentiments are refined and the characters to be probable, though their behaviour is excelling

Fanny Burney

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Fanny Burney
Truth
Characters
Character
Possibility
Excelling
Without
Least
Probable
Much
Though
Refined
Natural
Behaviour
Wish
Pleased
History
Sentiments
Cannot
Appearance

More quotes by Fanny Burney

Image
Credulity is the sister of innocence.
Fanny Burney
Image
the right line of conduct is the same for both sexes, though the manner in which it is pursued, may somewhat vary, and be accommodated to the strength or weakness of the different travelers.
Fanny Burney
Image
Money is the source of the greatest vice, and that nation which is most rich, is most wicked.
Fanny Burney
Image
don't be angry with the gentleman for thinking, whatever be the cause, for I assure you he makes no common practice of offending in that way.
Fanny Burney
Image
Far from having taken any positive step, I have not yet even fommed any resolution.
Fanny Burney
Image
To save the mind from preying inwardly upon itself, it must be encouraged to some outward pursuit.
Fanny Burney
Image
Well of all things in the world, I don't suppose anything can be so dreadful as a public wedding--my stars!--I should never be able to support it!
Fanny Burney
Image
such is the effect of true politeness, that it banishes all restraint and embarassment.
Fanny Burney
Image
The Spring is generally fertile in new acquaintances.
Fanny Burney
Image
To a heart formed for friendship and affection the charms of solitude are very short-lived.
Fanny Burney
Image
The laws of custom make our [returning a visit] necessary. O how I hate this vile custom which obliges us to make slaves of ourselves! to sell the most precious property we boast, our time--and to sacrifice it to every prattling impertinent who chooses to demand it!
Fanny Burney
Image
To save the mind from preying inwardly upon itself, it must be encouraged to some outward pursuit. There is no other way to elude apathy, or escape discontent none other to guard the temper from that quarrel with itself, which ultimately ends in quarreling with all mankind.
Fanny Burney
Image
A youthful mind is seldom totally free from ambition to curb that, is the first step to contentment, since to diminish expectation is to increase enjoyment.
Fanny Burney
Image
while we all desire to live long, we have all a horror of being old!
Fanny Burney
Image
You have sensible women here [in England] but then, they are very devils--censorious, uncharitable, sarcastic--the women in Scotland have twice--thrice their freedom, with all their virtue--and are very conversable and agreeable--their educations are more finished.
Fanny Burney
Image
In England, I was quite struck to see how forward the girls are made--a child of 10 years old, will chat and keep you company, while her parents are busy or out etc.--with the ease of a woman of 26. But then, how does this education go on?--Not at all: it absolutely stops short.
Fanny Burney
Image
But authors before they write should read.
Fanny Burney
Image
I am tired to death! tired of every thing! I would give the universe for a disposition less difficult to please. Yet, after all, what is there to give pleasure? When one has seen one thing, one has seen every thing.
Fanny Burney
Image
People who live together naturally catch the looks and air of one another and without having one feature alike, they contract a something in the whole countenance which strikes one as a resemblance
Fanny Burney
Image
This perpetual round of constrained civilities to persons quite indifferent to us, is the most provoking and tiresome thing in theworld, but it is unavoidable in a country town, where everybody is known.... 'Tis a most shocking and unworthy way of spending our precious irrecoverable time, to those who know not its value.
Fanny Burney