The outward is only the outside of that which is within. Men are not concealed under habits, but are revealed by them; they are their true clothes.

I should consider it a greater success to interest one wise and earnest soul, than a million unwise and frivolous.

I have, as it were, my own sun and moon and stars, and a little world all to myself.

Truly the stars were given for a consolation to man.

On the whole, Chaucer impresses us as greater than his reputation, and not a little like Homer and Shakespeare, for he would haveheld up his head in their company.

It would be glorious to see mankind at leisure for once. It is nothing but work, work, work.

We go on dating from Cold Fridays and Great Snows; but a little colder Friday, or greater snow would put a period to man's existence on the globe.