All I possess is youth, health, courage, some intelligence, honour, honesty, and some tincture of letters.

My greatest treasure consists in being my own master, perfectly independent, and not afraid of misfortune.

With all that, I am naturally inclined to extravagance.

Lovely Therese, you have my portrait.

What is your answer ?" "In the first place, dearest, let me assure you that I believe every word you have just uttered, as I would believe in the Gospel; in the second, allow me to tell you that several times in Ancona I have judged you such as you have just described yourself, but far from being displeased at such a knowledge of your nature, I was only afraid of some illusion on my part, for I could hope to win you if you were what I thought you to be.
In one word, dear one, if it is true that you are poor and a very bad hand at economy, allow me to tell you that I feel delighted, because, if you love me, you will not refuse a present from me, or despise me for offering it.