Let the tears which fell, and the broken words which were exchanged in the long close embrace between the orphans, be sacred. A father, sister, and mother, were gained, and lost, in that one moment. Joy and grief were mingled in the cup; but there were no bitter tears: for even grief arose so softened, and clothed in such sweet and tender recollections, that it became a solemn pleasure, and lost all character of pain.
Charles Dickens (1839). “Oliver Twist”, p.205
![Let the tears which fell, and the broken words which were exchanged in the long close embrace between the orphans, be sacred. A father, sister, and mother, were gained, and lost, in that one moment. Joy and grief were](http://cdn.myquotes.org/images/charles-dickens/let-the-tears-which-fell-and-the-broken-words-which-were-exchanged-in-the-long-close-embrace-between-the-orphans.jpg)