“A tragedy can never suffer by delay: a comedy may, because the allusions or the manners represented in it maybe temporary.”

— Horace Walpole, Letter 123 To Robert Jephson (13 July 1777)

About Horace Walpole

1717 – 1797

English writer and politician, author of "The Castle of Otranto" and a prolific correspondent.

“The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel.”

“It always amazes me, when I reflect on the women, who are the first to propagate scandal of one another.”

“It appears to me as odd to write to you of St. Peter's, as it would do to you to write of Westminster-abbey.”

“A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority.”

“All violence consists in some people forcing others, under threat of suffering or death, to do what they do not want to do.”

“There is no sin, and there can be no sin on all the earth, which the Lord will not forgive to the truly repentant!”

“Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be.”

“Love's very pain is sweet, But its reward is in the world divine Which, if not here, it builds beyond the grave.”

“What a strange machine man is! You fill him with bread, wine, fish, and radishes, and out comes sighs, laughter, and dreams.”