“Outward beauty is a true sign of inner goodness. This loveliness, indeed, is impressed upon the body in varying degrees as a token by which the soul can be recognized for what it is, just as with trees the beauty of the blossom testifies to the goodness of the fruit.”

“There are two kinds of beauty, one being of the soul and the other of the body,That of the soul is revealed through intelligence, modesty, right conduct,Generosity and good breeding, all of which qualities may exist in an ugly man;And when one's gaze is fixed upon beauty of this sort and not upon that of the body,Love is usually born suddenly and violently.”

“Thus content with an inner sphere which they inhabit together, it is not immediately that the outward world can obtrude itself upon their notice.”

“What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful.”

“When the true love will blossom, it will be the most beautiful flower.”

“Was Briony the only person who could hear the venom dripping from the woman’s tongue? What good was beauty — a mature beauty, but beauty nonetheless — if it cloaked such a viperous soul?”