The opening of large tracts by the ice-cutters commonly causes a pond to break up earlier; for the water, agitated by the wind, even in cold weather, wears away the surrounding ice.

No definition of poetry is adequate unless it be poetry itself. The most accurate analysis by the rarest wisdom is yet insufficient, and the poet will instantly prove it false by setting aside its requisitions. It is indeed all that we do not know.

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin!

Follow your genius closely enough, and it will not fail to show you a fresh prospect every hour.

The pleasure we feel in music springs from the obedience which is in it.

My themes will not be far-fetched. I will tell of homely every-day phenomena and adventures.

Love does not analyze its object.