Charles Dickens Quotes

Above the rumbling in the chimney, and the fast pattering on the glass, was heard a wailing, rushing sound, which shook the walls as though a giant's hand were on them; then a hoarse roar as if the sea had risen; then such a whirl and tumult that the air seemed mad; and then, with a lengthened howl, the waves of wind swept on, and left a moment's interval of rest. ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens Thoughtfulness begets wrinkles; remembering this, he soon put it up, smoothed his contracted brow, hummed a gay tune with greater gaiety of manner, and was his unruffled self again. ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens As hollow vessels produce a far more musical sound in falling than those which are substantial, so it will oftentimes be found that sentiments which have nothing in them make the loudest ringing in the world, and are the most relished. ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens Blunt tools are sometimes found of use, where sharper instruments would fail. ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens "Robbery on the king's highway, my young friend, is a very dangerous and ticklish occupation. It is pleasant, I have no doubt, while it lasts; but like many other pleasures in this transitory world, it seldom lasts long." ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens It is a poor heart that never rejoices. ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens "Never faint, my darling. More domestic unhappiness has come of easy fainting, Doll, than from all the greater passions put together." ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens "All men are fortune-hunters, are they not? The law, the church, the court, the camp—see how they are all crowded with fortune-hunters, jostling each other in the pursuit." ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens The bell upon the roof that had told the tale of murder to the midnight wind, became a very phantom whose voice would raise the listener's hair on end; and every leafless bough that nodded to another, had its stealthy whispering of the crime. ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens Why, how much better to be silly, than as wise as you! You don't see shadowy people there, like those that live in sleep—not you. Nor eyes in the knotted panes of glass, nor swift ghosts when it blows hard, nor do you hear voices in the air, nor see men stalking in the sky—not you! I lead a merrier life than you, with all your cleverness. You're the dull men. We're the bright ones. ~ Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens