In life there is nothing more unexpected and surprising than the arrivals and departures of pleasure. If we find it in one place today, it is vain to seek it there tomorrow. You can not lay a trap for it.

My garden, with its silence and pulses of fragrance that come and go on the airy undulations, affects me like sweet music. Care stops at the gates, and gazes at me wistfully through the bars.

In my garden I spend my days, in my library I spend my nights. My interests are divided between my geraniums and my books. With the flower I am in the present; with the book I am in the past.

My heart like moon-charmed waters, all unrest.

Eternity doth wear upon her face the veil of time. They only see the veil, and thus they know not what they stand so near!

Happiness never lays its finger on its pulse. If we attempt to steal a glimpse of its features it disappears.

I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.