There are few cases in which mere popularity should be considered a proper test of merit; but the case of song-writing is, I think, one of the few.

I have no words alas! to tell the loveliness of loving well

Man's real life is happy, chiefly because he is ever expecting that it soon will be so.

Scorching my seared heart with a pain, not hell shall make me fear again.

Philosophers have often held dispute As to the seat of thought in man and brute For that the power of thought attends the latter My friend, thy beau, hath made a settled matter, And spite of dogmas current in all ages, One settled fact is better than ten sages. (O,Tempora! O,Mores!)

In reading some books we occupy ourselves chiefly with the thoughts of the author; in perusing others, exclusively with our own.

Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore- Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore- Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore." Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore.