He had known the love that is fed on caresses and feeds them; but this passion that was closer than his bones was not to be superficially satisfied.

One of the great things about travel is you find out how many good, kind people there are.

Archer reddened to the temples but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock if it were left undisturbed.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

...every literature, in its main lines, reflects the chief characteristics of the people for whom, and about whom, it is written.

Why do we call all our generous ideas illusions, and the mean ones truths?

I think sometimes that it is almost a pity to enjoy Italy as much as I do, because the acuteness of my sensations makes them rather exhausting; but when I see the stupid Italians I have met here, completely insensitive to their surroundings, and ignorant of the treasures of art and history among which they have grown up, I begin to think it is better to be an American, and bring to it all a mind and eye unblunted by custom.