Quotes from Jane Austen

I am determined that only the deepest love will induce me into matrimony. So, I shall end an old maid, and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill.

I am excessively diverted.

Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day, from the view of the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves and withered hedges, and from repeating to herself some few of the thousand poetical descriptions extant of autumn--that season of peculiar and inexhaustible influence on the mind of taste and tenderness--that season which has drawn from every poet worthy of being read some attempt at description, or some lines of feeling.

Now they were as strangers; worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted.

Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence? For the liveliness of your mind, I did.

She was convinced that she could have been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should meet.

Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.

Nothing is more deceitful, said Darcy, than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.

They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of each were overspread with the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed immoveable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of perfect composure, at least of perfect civility.

Men of sense, whatever you may choose to say, do not want silly wives.

No man is offended by another man's admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment.

I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love said Darcy. Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everything nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.

They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects.

One word from you shall silence me forever.

I might as well enquire," replied she, "why with so evident a design of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character?

She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older: the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.

A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of.

She was stronger alone…

Do not give way to useless alarm; though it is right to be prepared for the worst, there is no occasion to look on it as certain.

One cannot be always laughing at a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.

Oh! I am delighted with the book! I should like to spend my whole life in reading it.

Indeed, I am very sorry to be right in this instance. I would much rather have been merry than wise.

You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner. (Elizabeth Bennett)

We do not suffer by accident.