The works of great poets have never been read by mankind, for only great poets can read them.

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

The very thrills of genius are disorganizing. The body is never quite acclimated to its atmosphere, but how often, succumbs and goes into a decline.

The slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble are most likely to incur.

Nature has left nothing to the mercy of man.

Linnæus, setting out for Lapland, surveys his "comb" and "spare shirt," "leathern breeches" and "gauze cap to keep off gnats," with as much complacency as Bonaparte a park of artillery for the Russian campaign. The quiet bravery of the man is admirable.

What is morality but immemorial custom? Conscience is the chief of conservatives.