Many of the phenomena of Winter are suggestive of an inexpressible tenderness and fragile delicacy. We are accustomed to hear this king described as a rude and boisterous tyrant; but with the gentleness of a lover he adorns the tresses of Summer.

Books are to be distinguished by the grandeur of their topics even more than by the manner in which they are treated.

Men go back to the mountains, as they go back to sailing ships at sea, because in the mountains and on the sea they must face up.

Life is so short that it is not wise to take roundabout ways, nor can we spend much time in waiting.... We have not got half-way to dawn yet.

The greater number of men are merely corporals.

The object of love expands and grows before us to eternity, until it includes all that is lovely, and we become all that can love.

When a noble deed is done, who is likely to appreciate it? They who are noble themselves.