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

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

My publishers will make any kind of a beautiful book I design and send in to them, but ... For poetry they have less use than a rooster would have for skates.

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.

no one in the whole world knows all a man's bignesses and all his littlenesses as his wife does.

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

we know by the odour that occasionally we are visited by skunks, which are not poetic but very beautiful.