“Pity, Jane, from some people is a noxious and insulting sort of tribute, which one is justified in hurling back in the teeth of those who offer it; but that is the sort of pity native to callous, selfish hearts; it is a hybrid, egotistical pain at hearing of woes, crossed with ignorant contempt for those who have endured them. But that is not your pity, Jane; it is not the feeling of which your whole face is full at this moment—with which your eyes are now almost overflowing—with which your heart is heaving—with which your hand is trembling in mine. Your pity, my darling, is the suffering mother of love: its anguish is the very natal pang of the divine passion. I accept it, Jane; let the daughter have free advent—my arms wait to receive her.”

“In our hearts... there must abide some pity for those people who have always felt themselves to be separate from even their most familiar surroundings, those people who either are foreigners or who suffer a singular point of view that makes them feel as if they’re foreigners - even in their native lands. In our hearts... there also abides a certain suspicion that such people need to feel set apart from their society. But people who initiate loneliness are no less lonely than those who are suddenly surprised by loneliness, nor are they undeserving of our pity.”

“Ah, where in the world have there been greater follies than with the pitiful? And what in the world hath caused more suffering than the follies of the pitiful?Woe unto all loving ones who have not an elevation which is above their pity!Thus spake the devil unto me, once on a time: "Even God hath his hell: it is his love for man." And lately, did I hear him say these words: "God is dead: of his pity for man hath God died.”

“All you who are in loveAye and can not remove itI pity the pain that you endure.For experience lets me knowThat your hearts are filled with woeIt's a woe that no mortal can cure.-"the Curragh of Kildare”

“My love, I see you through my tears.No pity in your face I see.I have sailed far across the years;Stretch out, stretch out your arms to me.”

“Watch, O Lord,with those who wake,or watch or weep tonight,and give your angels chargeover those who sleep.Tend your sick ones,O Lord Jesus Christ;rest your weary ones;bless your dying ones;soothe your suffering ones;pity your afflicted ones;shield your joyous ones;and all for your love's sake.Amen.”