The truly great rest in the knowledge of their own deserts, nor seek the conformation of the world.

There is a certain even-handed justice in Time; and for what he takes away he gives us something in return. He robs us of elasticity of limb and spirit, and in its place he brings tranquility and repose—the mild autumnal weather of the soul.

In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October.

There is a slow-growing beauty which only comes to perfection in old age.... I have seen sweeter smiles on a lip of seventy than I ever saw on a lip of seventeen. There is the beauty of youth, and there is also the beauty of holiness—a beauty much more seldom met; and more frequently found in the arm-chair by the fire, with grandchildren around its knee, than in the ball-room or the promenade.

The only thing a man knows is himself.

A brave soul is a thing which all things serve.

One never hugs one's good luck so affectionately as when listening to the relation of some horrible misfortunes which has overtaken others.