There is something in age that ever, even in its own despite, must be… — Frances Burney

There is something in age that ever, even in its own despite, must be venerable, must create respect and to have it ill treated, is to me worse, more cruel and wicked than anything on earth.

More from Frances Burney

Does wisdom perhaps appear on the earth as a raven which is inspired by the smell of carrion? — Friedrich Nietzsche
What, sir, would the people of the earth be without woman? They would be scarce, sir, almighty scarce. — Mark Twain
Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes. — Henry David Thoreau
The mind is but too naturally prone to pleasure, but too easily yielded to dissipation. — Frances Burney
We continually say things to support an opinion, which we have given, that in reality we don't above half mean. — Frances Burney
Insensibility, of all kinds, and on all occasions, most moves my imperial displeasure. — Frances Burney