A true poem is distinguished not so much by a felicitous expression, or any thought it suggests, as by the atmosphere which surrounds it. Most have beauty of outline merely, and are striking as the form and bearing of a stranger; but true verses come toward us indistinctly, as the very breath of all friendliness, and envelop us in their spirit and fragrance.

We are more anxious to speak than to be heard.

Nature is not made after such a fashion as we would have her. We piously exaggerate her wonders, as the scenery around our home.

Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul the work of the soul, and good for either the work of the other.

In the winter, warmth stands for all virtue.

To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.

You boast of spending a tenth part of your income in charity; may be you should spend the nine tenths so, and done with it.