I write as the birds sing, because I must, and usually from the same source of inspiration.

Do you know that being a stranger is the hardest thing that can happen to any one in all this world?

What you are lies with you. If you are lazy, and accept your lot, you may live in it. If you are willing to work, you can write your name anywhere you choose, among the only ones who live beyond the grave in this world, the people who write books that help, make exquisite music, carve statues, paint pictures, and work for others. Never mind the calico dress, and the coarse shoes. Work at you books, and before long you will hear yesterday's tormentors boasting that they were once classmates of yours.

there was nothing in the whole world so dreadful as the power of riches wrongly used.

Be sure that you are right; and then go ahead.

The wages of sin are the hardest debts on earth to pay, and they are always collected at inconvenient times and unexpected places.

We never know the timber of a man's soul until something cuts into him deeply and brings the grain out strong. You've the making of a mighty fine piece of furniture.