The loveliest, sweetest ...

The loveliest, sweetest flower that bloomed in paradise, and the first that died, has rarely blossomed since on mortal soil. It is so frail, so delicate, a thing, it is gone if it but look upon itself; and she who ventures to esteem it hers proves by that single thought she has it not.
 Elizabeth Fry

Quotes from the same author

When thee builds a prison, thee had better build with the thought ever in thy mind that thee and thy children may occupy the cells.
 Elizabeth Fry