Even Nature is observed to have her playful moods or aspects, of which man sometimes seems to be the sport.

Poetry is nothing but healthy speech.

This was sheer idleness to my fellow-townsmen, no doubt; but if the birds and flowers had tried me by their standard, I should not have been found wanting. A man must find his occasions in himself, it is true. The natural day is very calm, and will hardly reprove his indolence.

Shams and delusions are esteemed for soundest truths, while reality is fabulous. If men would steadily observe realities only, and not allow themselves to be deluded, life ... would be like a fairy tale and the Arabian Nights' Entertainments.

The poet uses the results of science and philosophy, and generalizes their widest deductions.

So our human life but dies down to its root, and still puts forth its green blade to eternity.

I did not know that we had ever quarreled.