No one is so accursed by fate, No one so utterly desolate, But some heart, though unknown, Responds unto his own.

There is nothing sweeter than to be sympathized with.

Before an affliction is digested, consolation ever comes too soon; and after it is digested, it comes too late.

We all have strength enough to endure the troubles of others.

It is very odd how completely unable so many men are to put themselves in the place of their own audience - so very unlike the old Duke of Devonshire, who yawned during his own maiden speech because, as he told somebody, 'It was so damned dull.'

It has always been my temptation to put myself in other people's shoes: even into a horse's shoes as he strains before the heavy dray; into a ballerina's points as she feels age weigh upon her spring. With experience of age I have learned to control this habit of sympathy which deforms truth.

Wisdom must go with sympathy, else the emotions will become maudlin and pity may be wasted on a poodle instead of a child - on a fieldmouse instead of a human soul.

I think I feel rather differently about sympathy to what seems the normal view. I like just to feel it is there, but not always expressed.

Those who do not feel pain seldom think that it is felt.