A perfectly clear sky is certainly not the most beautiful to my taste.

Pure light, and pure blue, give no satisfaction to the artist, it is only behind a few moving clouds, lighted up by changing gleams of gold and silver, that the firmament has any true charm, and though your face too is like heaven to me it does not lack sweet movement, never twice alike.

Now this matron--" "Only look," interrupted Arsinoe, "how tenderly dame Hannah bends over Selene, and now she is gently kissing her brow.

No mother could tend her own daughter more lovingly.

I have known her for a long time; she is good, very good; it is hardly credible for she is a Christian." "The cross up there over the door," said Pollux "is the token by which these extraordinary people recognize each other." "And what is signified by the dove and fish and anchor round it ?" asked Arsinoe.
"They are emblems of the mysteries of the Christians," replied Pollux.
"I do not understand them; the things are wretchedly painted; the adherents of the crucified God contemn all art, and particularly my branch of it, for they hate all images of the gods." "And yet among such blasphemers we find such good men; I will go in at once; Hannah is wetting another handkerchief." "And how unwearied and kind she looks as she does it; still there is something strange, deserted, and graceless in this large bare room.