la Bruyère, Jean de
1645–96
1
The people have little intelligence, the great no heart…if I had to choose I should have no hesitation: I would be of the people.
Les Caractères ou les moeurs de ce siècle
(1688) "Des Grands"
2
Man has but three events in his life: to be born, to live, and to die. He is not conscious of his birth, he suffers at his death and he forgets to live.
Les Caractères ou les moeurs de ce siècle
(1688) "De l'homme"
la Chaussée, Nivelle de
1692–1754
1
When everyone is wrong, everyone is right.
La Gouvernante
(1747) act 1, sc. 3
Laclos, Pierre Choderlos de
1741–1803
1
Our intentions make blackguards of us all; our weakness in carrying them out we call probity.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
(1782) letter 66
2
He cannot rate me very high if he thinks he is worth my fidelity!
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
(1782) letter 113
3
A man enjoys the happiness he feels, a woman the happiness she gives.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses
(1782) letter 130
Lacroix, Christian
1951–
1
Haute Couture should be fun, foolish and almost unwearable.
in
Observer
27 December 1987 "Sayings of the Year"
la Fontaine, Jean de
1621–95
1
I bend and I break not.
Fables
bk. 1 (1668) "Le Chêne et le Roseau"
2
La mort ne surprend point le sage,
Il est toujours prêt à partir.
Death never takes the wise man by surprise; he is always ready to go.
Fables
bk. 8 (1678–9) "La Mort et le Mourant".
La Fayette, Madame de
1634–93
1
One reproaches a lover, but can one reproach a husband, when his only fault is that he no longer loves?
The Princess of Clèves
(1678) pt. 4