"What happiness it is to love one woman only! This is both a heartfelt expression and the result of reasoning and observation; for I can analyse you with the most perfect coolness, and I perceive with glad conviction that no one else can be compared to you. I know not in the world such another perfect intelligence, a more noble heart, a more sweet and charming temper, a more upright character, a sounder judgment, nor anyone who is so wise and reasonable."

"...You must believe me when I say that even yet, after all these years, I have not become accustomed to knowing you. Centuries would not suffice, and life is so short! You saw the fact in those two months. I was in the same state of ecstasy and bewilderment when I went away as I was the first day I beheld you."

-- Honoré de Balzac, to Countess Ewelina Hanska