In my walks, I would fain return to my senses. What business have I in the woods if I am thinking of something out of the woods?

My neighbors tell me of their adventures with famous gentlemen and ladies, what notabilities they met at the dinner-table; but I am no more interested in such things than in the contents of the Daily Times. The interest and the conversation are about costume and manners chiefly; but a goose is a goose still, dress it as you will.

If ever I did a man any goodof course it was something exceptional and insignificant compared with the good or evil which I am constantly doing by being what I am.

I am sorry to think that you do not get a man's most effective criticism until you provoke him. Severe truth is expressed with some bitterness.

The first pleasant days of spring come out like a squirrel and go in again.

Dissent without action is consent.

We seem to think that the earth must go through the ordeal of sheep-pasturage before it is habitable by man.