Alexander Pushkin — "The devil himself would not dare to come near me, for I am uglier than he."

"Against sweet passion's fire the sole defense, The shroud that shields a lover's recompense, And serves to cover up such sweet delights, Oh skirt! You are the one I now beseech, To you I hereby dedica…"

"I have always been too lazy to be a good man."

"I value not the boisterous applause, the ecstasy, the general acclaim. I love the silence of the thoughtful mind, and the brief, warm praise of a true friend."

"I would rather be a good poet than a good man."

"My uncle is a man of honour, When in good earnest he fell ill, He won respect by his demeanour. And found the role he best could fill. Let others profit by his lesson, But, oh my god, what desolation.…"