"

Being good is easy, what is difficult is being just.

"

It is wrong to become absorbed in the divine law to such a degree as not to perceive human law. Death belongs to God alone. By what right do men touch...more

"

Darks drifts covered the horizon. A strange shadow approaching nearer and nearer, was spreading little by little over men, over things, over ideas; a ...more

"

Monsieur, innocence is its own crown! Innocence has only to act to be noble! She is as august in rags as fleur de lys.

"

Well, listen a moment, Monsieur Mayor; I have often been severe in my life towards others. It was just. I did right. Now if I were not severe towards ...more

"

In the chaos of sentiments and passions which defend a barricade, there is something of everything; there is bravery, youth, honor, enthusiasm, the id...more

"

He thought of that heroic Colonel Pontmercy . . . who had left upon every field of victory in Europe drops of that same blood which he, Marius, had in...more

"

Oh! if the good hearts had the fat purses, how much better everything would go!

"

The night was starless and very dark. Without doubt, in the gloom some mighty angel was standing, with outstretched wings, awaiting the soul.

"

It is a mournful task to break the sombre attachments of the past.

"

He was troubled; this brain, so limpid in its blindness, had lost its transparency; there was a cloud in this crystal.

"

The guillotine is the ultimate expression of Law, and its name is vengeance; it is not neutral, nor does it allow us to remain neutral.

"

The soul of the just contemplates in sleep a mysterious heaven.

"

Without knowing it, Javert in his awful happiness was deserving of pity, like every ignorant man who triumphs. Nothing could have been more poignant o...more

"

To breathe Paris is to preserve one's soul.