in certain crises direct expression of sympathy is the least possible to those who most feel sympathy.

Speech may be barren; but it is ridiculous to suppose that silence is always brooding on a nestful of eggs.

I would rather not be engaged. When people are engaged, they begin to think of being married soon, and I should like everything to go on for a long while just as it is.

How is it that the poets have said so many fine things about our first love, so few about our later love? Are their first poems their best? or are not those the best which come from their fuller thought, their larger experience, their deeper-rooted affections? The boy's flute-like voice has its own spring charm; but the man should yield a richer, deeper music.

I trust you as holy men trust God; you could do nought that was not pure and loving, though the deed might pierce me unto death.

Breed is stronger than pasture.

Of a truth, Knowledge is power, but it is a power reined by scruple, having a conscience of what must be and what may be. . . .