Each reader discovers for himself that, with respect to the simpler features of nature, succeeding poets have done little else than copy his similes.

Nature seemed to have adorned herself for our departure with a profusion of fringes and curls, mingled with the bright tints of flowers, reflected in the water. But we missed the white water-lily, which is the queen of river flowers, its reign being over for this season.... Many of this species inhabit our Concord water.

As for style of writing, if one has anything to say, it drops from him simply and directly, as a stone falls to the ground.

He who cannot exaggerate is not qualified to utter truth.

The first sparrow of spring! The year beginning with younger hope than ever!

I think of no news to tell you. It is a serene summer day here, all above the snow. The hens steal their nests, and I steal theireggs still, as formerly. This is what I do with the hands. Ah, labor,--it is a divine institution, and conversation with many men and hens.

The three-o'-clock in the morning courage, which Bonaparte thought was the rarest.