John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
9602 Marie de Vihy-Chamrond
| NUMBER: | 9602 |
| AUTHOR: | Marie de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand (1697–1780) |
| QUOTATION: | It is only the first step which costs. 1 |
| ATTRIBUTION: | In reply to the Cardinal de Polignac. |
| Note 1. Voltaire writes to Madame du Deffand, January, 1764, that one of her bon-mots is quoted in the notes of “La Pucelle,” canto 1: “Il n’y a que le premier pas qui coûte.” [back] |