The Castle of Otranto quotes

“Where’er a casque that suits this sword is found, With perils is thy daughter compass’d round; Alfonso’s blood alone can save the maid, And quiet a long restless Prince’s shade.”

— Spoken by a character · Chapter IV

They attributed this hasty wedding to the Prince’s dread of seeing accomplished an ancient prophecy, which was said to have pronounced that the castle and lordship of Otranto “should pass from the present family, whenever the real owner should be grown too large to inhabit it.”

But alas! my Lord, what is blood! what is nobility! We are all reptiles, miserable, sinful creatures. It is piety alone that can distinguish us from the dust whence we sprung, and whither we must return.

— the Friar · Chapter II

I can forget injuries, but never benefits.

— Theodore · Chapter IV

“A bystander often sees more of the game than those that play,” answered Bianca.

— Bianca · Chapter II

Heaven mocks the short-sighted views of man.

— the Friar · Chapter II

But this life is but a pilgrimage; we must not murmur—we shall all follow her!

— Spoken by a character · Chapter III

I answered to every question your Highness put to me last night with the same veracity that I shall speak now: and that will not be from fear of your tortures, but because my soul abhors a falsehood.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter II

But Theodore’s grief was too fresh to admit the thought of another love; and it was not until after frequent discourses with Isabella of his dear Matilda, that he was persuaded he could know no happiness but in the society of one with whom he could for ever indulge the melancholy that had taken possession of his soul.

My life is of consequence to nobody; I fear no bad angel, and have offended no good one.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter I

This is a bad world; nor have I had cause to leave it with regret.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter II

The next transition of his soul was to exquisite villainy.