A fly is a very light burden; but if it were perpetually to return and settle on one's nose, it might weary us of our very lives.

These Americans believe that everything is possible.

for the first time I tasted this tropical fruit, which people here are so fond of. ... I could have fancied I was biting into soap. I have a notion that we shall not become very good friends, the banana and I.

It is quite affecting to observe how much the olive tree is to the country people. Its fruit supplies them with food, medicine and light; its leaves, winter fodder for the goats and sheep; it is their shelter from the heat and its branches and roots supply them with firewood. The olive tree is the peasant's all-in-all.

There are words which sever hearts more than sharp swords; there are words the point of which sting the heart through the course of a whole life.

The humble soul is like the violet, which grows low, hangs the head downward, and hides itself with its own leaves.

The human heart is like heaven; the more angels the more room.