Possibly they will continue to prize my sonnets, the sonnets you returned to me with a shameless smile, and without saying a word about them.

But these are trifles.

Do not let us spoil a great opportunity because of our sensitiveness as authors.

We are concerned with philosophy--with God! We shall cross swords, M.Voltaire, unless you die before I have a chance to deal with you.
He was already in the mind to begin his new polemic, when it occurred to him that the messenger was waiting for an answer.

He hastily indited a letter to the old duffer Bragadino, a letter full of hypocritical humility and simulated delight.