Edgar Allan Poe — "The want of an object for my love is the sole reason why I am not a maniac."

"I have no faith in human perfectibility. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years…"

"Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears."

"The death of a beautiful woman is, unquestionably, the most poetical topic in the world—and equally is it beyond doubt that the lips best suited for such topic are those of a bereaved lover."

"I am a Virginian, and have a natural right to be a gentleman."

"In criticism I will be bold, and as sternly, absolutely just with friend and foe. From this purpose nothing shall turn me."