I never had any other desire so strong, and so like covetousness, as that ... I might be master at last of a small house and a large garden, with very moderate conveniences joined to them, and there dedicate the remainder of my life to the culture of them and the study of nature.

Build yourself a book-nest to forget the world without.

I confess I love littleness almost in all things. A little convenient estate, a little cheerful house, a little company, and a little feast.

Come, my best Friends! my Books! and lead me on.

Solitude can be used well by very few people. They who do must have a knowledge of the world to see the foolishness of it, and enough virtue to despise all the vanity.

The monster London laugh at me.

Nothing so soon the drooping spirits can raise As praises from the men, whom all men praise.