Unpremeditated music is the true gauge which measures the current of our thoughts; the very undertow of our life's stream.

In a pure society, the subject of marriage would not be so often avoided,--from shame and not from reverence, winked out of sight,and hinted at only; but treated naturally and simply,--perhaps simply avoided like the kindred mysteries. If it cannot be spoken of for shame, how can it be acted of? But, doubtless, there is far more purity, as well as more impurity, than is apparent.

I would give all the wealth of the world, and all the deeds of all the heroes, for one true vision.

There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.

Give me the poverty that enjoys true wealth.

He who hears the rippling of rivers in these degenerate days will not utterly despair.

It is surprising how many great men and women a small house will contain. I have had twenty-five or thirty souls, with their bodies, at once under my roof, and yet we often parted without being aware that we had come very near to one another.