…not an orphan in the wide world can be so deserted as the child who is an outcast from a living parent’s… — Charles Dickens

"Wal'r, my boy," replied the Captain, "in the Proverbs of Solomon you will find the following words, 'May we never want a friend in need, nor a bottle to give him!' When found, make a note of."

If you could see my legs when I take my boots off, you'd form some idea of what unrequited affection is.

... vices are sometimes only virtues carried to excess!