The Count of Monte Cristo

by Alexandre Dumas

‘We are never quits towards those who have done us a favour,’ said Dantès. ‘Even when one ceases to owe them money, one owes them gratitude.’

‘No, my dear Caderousse,’ Edmond replied. ‘I am not proud, but I am happy – and happiness, I believe, is even more dazzling than pride.’

I have always been more afraid of a pen, a bottle of ink and a sheet of paper than of a sword or a pistol.’

‘the Law is the Law, and I am happy to put myself in her hands.’

‘You know, Monsieur, that one can be mild in one’s private life, honest in one’s business dealings and skilled in one’s work, yet at the same time, politically speaking, be guilty of great crimes.

one must beware of first impulses, even when they were correct,