There is lucidity inspired by the nearness of the grave:to be close to death is to see clearly

“There are people who observe the rules of honor as one observes the stars, from…”

“Poor old Jean Valjean, of course, loved Cosette only as a father; but, as we no…”

“Aures habet, et non audiet.”

“I encountered in the street a penniless young man who was in love. His hat was …”