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.

Man is too near all kinds of beasts,--a fawning dog, a roaring lion, a thieving fox, a robbing wolf, a dissembling crocodile, a treacherous decoy, and a rapacious vulture.

The getting out of doors is the greatest part of the journey.

Vain, weak-built isthmus, which dost proudly rise Up between two eternities!

What a brave privilege is it to be free from all contentions, from all envying or being envied, from receiving or paying all kinds of ceremonies!

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

Unbind the charms that in slight fables lie and teach that truth is truest poesy.