It is a sad weakness in us, after all, that the thought of a person's death consecrates him or her anew to us. It is as if life were not sacred too, as if it were comparatively a small thing to fail in love and reverence to the brother or sister who has to climb the whole toilsome mountain with us. It seems as if all our tears and tenderness were due to the one who is spared that hard journey.

Little children are still the symbol of the eternal marriage between love and duty.

Mankind is not disposed to look narrowly into the conduct of great victors when their victory is on the right side.

Pride helps us; and pride is not a bad thing when it only urges us to hide our own hurts—not to hurt others.

Subtle impressions for which words are quite too coarse a medium.

Beauty is part of the finished language by which goodness speaks.

People who write finely must not expect to be left in repose; they will be molested with thanks, at least.