A farmer, a hunter, a soldier, a reporter, even a philosopher, may be daunted; but nothing can deter a poet, for he is actuated by pure love. Who can predict his comings and goings? His business calls him out at all hours, even when doctors sleep.

The most stupendous scenery ceases to be sublime when it becomes distinct, or in other words limited, and the imagination is no longer encouraged to exaggerate it. The actual height and breadth of a mountain or a waterfall are always ridiculously small; they are the imagined only that content us.

Law never made men a whit more just; and, by means of their respect for it, even the well-disposed are daily made the agents of injustice.

There are various tough problems yet to solve, and we must shift to live, betwixt spirit and matter, such a human life as we can.

What is human warfare but just this; an effort to make the laws of God and nature take sides with one party.

Books that are books are all that you want, and there are but a half dozen in any thousand.

Through our own recovered innocence we discern the innocence of our neighbors.