Of all the needs a book has the chief need is that it be readable.

Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself.

I do like a little romance... just a sniff, as I call it, of the rocks and valleys. Of course, bread-and-cheese is the real thing. The rocks and valleys are no good at all, if you haven't got that.

A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules.

High rank and soft manners may not always belong to a true heart.

I doubt whether I ever read any description of scenery which gave me an idea of the place described.

On board ship there are many sources of joy of which the land knows nothing. You may flirt and dance at sixty; and if you are awkward in the turn of a valse, you may put it down to the motion of the ship. You need wear no gloves, and may drink your soda-and-brandy without being ashamed of it.