belle quotes

My life was a strange one that summer, the last summer of its kind there was ever to be. I was riding high on sex and self-esteemit was my time, my belle e  poque but allthewhilewith a faintflickerofcalamity, likeflames around a photograph, something seen out of the corner of the eye.

- Alan Hollinghurst
  The Swimming Pool Library, ch.1.

There was a young belle of old Natchez Whose garments were always in patchez. When comment arose On the state of her clothes, She drawled, When Ah itchez, Ah scratchez.

- (Frederic) Ogden Nash
  I'm a Stranger Here Myself,'Requiem'.