Gentlemen, be courteous to the old maids, no matter how poor and plain and prim, for the only chivalry worth having is that which is the readiest to to pay deference to the old, protect the feeble, and serve womankind, regardless of rank, age, or color.
I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all some day.
She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty, and to feel that if greatness is what a wise man has defined it to be, ‘truth, reverence, and good will,’ then her friend Friedrich Bhaer was not only good, but great.
Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I’d rather see you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.
Jo’s breath gave out here, and wrapping her head in the paper, she bedewed her little story with a few natural tears, for to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved were the dearest wishes of her heart, and this seemed to be the first step toward that happy end.
Conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using it well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty.
During the fifteen minutes that followed, the proud and sensitive girl suffered a shame and pain which she never forgot. To others it might seem a ludicrous or trivial affair, but to her it was a hard experience, for during the twelve years of her life she had been governed by love alone.
It does seem as if the more one gets the more one wants.
It is my opinion that this day will never come to an end,” said Prince, with a yawn that nearly rent him assunder.
If every one agreed, we should never get on.
We live in a beautiful and wonderful world, Demi, and the more you now about it the wiser and the better you will be.
I don’t like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I’m going to find some.
I planned to spend mine in new music,” said Beth, with a little sigh, which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettle-holder.
I wish wearing flat-irons on our heads would keep us from growing up. But buds will be roses, and kittens, cats, – more’s the pity!
So every day is a battle, and I’m so tired I don’t want to live; only it’s cowardly to die till you have done something.
I thought it was only a habit, easy to drop when I liked: But it is stronger than I; and sometimes I feel as if possessed of a devil that will get the better of me, try as I may.
Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.
It’s so dreadful to be poor!” sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.
I don’t believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece, and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them.
It’s wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can’t have the one you want.