Animals are such agreeable friends.

There is a sort of human paste that when it comes near the fire of enthusiasm is only baked into harder shape.

It was one of those dangerous moments when speech is at once sincere and deceptive - when feeling, rising high above its average depth, leaves flood-marks which are never reached again.

... as usual I am suffering much from doubt as to the worth of what I am doing and fear lest I may not be able to complete it so as to make it a contribution to literature and not a mere addition to the heap of books.

It is pleasant to have a kind word now and then when one is not near enough to have a kind glance or a hearty shake by the hand.

There is a mercy which is weakness, and even treason against the common good.

Play not with paradoxes. That caustic which you handle in order to scorch others may happen to sear your own fingers and make them dead to the quality of things.