Adelbert von Chamisso Quotes

In this watering-place I acted an heroic character, badly studied; and being a novice on such a stage, I forgot my part before a pair of lovely blue eyes.

On recovering my senses, I hastened to quit a place where I hoped there was nothing further to detain me. I first filled my pockets with gold, then fastened the strings of the purse round my neck, and concealed it in my bosom.

All possible means were used by the infatuated parents to conclude the bargain; and deception put an end to these usual artifices.

Because it appears to me a hazardous thing to exchange my soul for my shadow.

When I spoke, I was listened to; and I was at a loss to know how I had so easily acquired the art of commanding attention, and giving the tone to the conversation.

After a prosperous, but to me very wearisome, voyage, we came at last into port. Immediately on landing I got together my few effects; and, squeezing myself through the crowd, went into the nearest and humblest inn which first met my gaze.

Of what use were wings to a man fast bound in chains of iron?

I will give you three days to seek your shadow. Return to me in the course of that time with a well-fitted shadow, and you shall receive a hearty welcome; otherwise, on the fourth day - remember, on the fourth day - my daughter becomes the wife of another.

In pain a new time is born.

What use would wings be to a man bound in iron fetters? They would only drive him to even greater despair.

A person without a shadow should keep out of the sun, that is the only safe and rational plan.

Hope roves in a future of fame and wealth.

In pain is a new time born.