“It is a great evil to look upon mankind with too clear vision. You seem to be living among wild beasts, and you become a wild beast yourself. ("“The Story of Prince Alasi and the Princess Firouzkah”)” — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“If she knew me as I really am she would despise me, and certainly not aid or abet my evil designs. To veil their vices from the sight of the good is the only resource of those who are not blind and know themselves to be vicious.' Thus was I confirmed in habits of hypocrisy; and these, for a time,… — William Beckford Copy Share
“Mine was still the stronger side. I was beloved by the soldiery, who generally care very little what god they serve so long as… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“A fish might more easily live on the apex of a rock than a man accustomed to crime live a life of virtue. (“The… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“It is a great evil to look upon mankind with too clear vision. You seem to be living among wild beasts, and you become… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“At these words, the fathers of the fifty boys cried out aloud; the mothers repeated their exclamations an octave higher; whilst the rest, without… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“It is time, therefore, that you should apply for aid to such helpful Spirits. But will you have the strength of mind, the courage to endure the approach of Beings so different from mankind? I know that their coming produces certain inevitable effects, as internal tremors, the revulsion of the blood from its ordinary course; but I also know that… — William Beckford Copy Share
“Shortly after we were in bed I began my story, but made it so absurd, so long, and so tiresome, that, as my intention… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“If you seem to be happy in this place of solitude, you will acquire a great reputation for wisdom, and I know, by my… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“My father,' I replied, 'I am fond of action. I like to succour the afflicted, and make people happy. Command that there be built… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“The Climber did not interfere. He praised the education I had received, and approved greatly of our immersions, just after birth, by the Sages,… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“No course was open to me save to leap, with eyes self-bound, into the yawning abyss of the future.” — William Beckford Copy Share Image
“..parasites seldom altogether abandon a monarch so long as the crown still glitters on his head. (“The Story of Prince Alasi and the Princess… — William Beckford Copy Share Image
