The thing we look forward to often comes to pass, but never precisely in the way we have imagined to ourselves.
George EliotFine old Christmas, with the snowy hair and ruddy face, had done his duty that year in the noblest fashion, and had set off his rich gifts of warmth and color with all the heightening contrast of frost and snow.
George EliotWhen we are young we think our troubles a mighty business - that the world is spread out expressly as a stage for the particular drama of our lives and that we have a right to rant and foam at the mouth if we are crossed. I have done enough of that in my time.
George EliotIt is painful to be told that anything is very fine and not be able to feel that it is fine--something like being blind, while people talk of the sky.
George EliotHold up your head! You were not made for failure, you were made for victory. Go forward with a joyful confidence.
George EliotIn the days when the spinning wheels hummed busily in the farmhouses--and even great ladies, clothed in silk and thread lace, had their toy spinning wheels of polished oak--there might be seen, in districts far away among the lanes, or deep in the bosom of the hills, certain palled undersized men who, by the side of the brawny country-folk, looked like the remnants of a disinherited race.
George Eliot