There are no god-fearing people left: that is the naked truth which you will not recognize. (Prologue)

The resolution says: the world can go on as it is if we find enough good people, able to lead a decent human existence. (Prologue)

She can’t say no. You’re too good, Shen Teh. If you want to hang on to your shop you’d better be able to refuse sometimes. (Scene 1)

Once I believed intelligence would aid me I was an optimist when I was younger Now that I’m old I see it hasn’t paid me: How can intelligence compete with hunger? (Scene 1)

My cousin naturally regrets being unable to make unbounded concessions to the laws of hospitality. But I fear you are too numerous. This is a tobacconist's, and this is Miss Shen Teh’s livelihood. (Scene 2)

For instance, how was she to pay her rent? But the fact remains: it is... (Scene 2)