A youthful mind is seldom totally free from ambition; to curb that, is the first step to contentment, since to diminish expectation is to increase en… - Frances Burney

it has been long and justly remarked, that folly has ever sought alliance with beauty.

I cannot be much pleased without an appearance of truth; at least of possibility — I wish the history to be natural though the sentiments are refined; and the characters to be probable, though their behaviour is excelling.

To have some account of my thoughts, manners, acquaintance and actions, when the hour arrives in which time is more nimble than memory, is the reason which induces me to keep a journal: a journal in which I must confess my every thought, must open my whole heart!