We could not help being struck by the seeming, though innocent, indifference of Nature to these men's necessities, while elsewhereshe was equally serving others. Like a true benefactress, the secret of her service is unchangeableness. Thus is the busiest merchant, though within sight of his Lowell, put to pilgrim's shifts, and soon comes to staff and scrip and scallop-shell.

We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us.

As for the complex ways of living, I love them not, however much I practice them. In as many places as possible, I will get my feet down to the earth.

With all your science can you tell me how it is, and when it is, that light comes into the soul?

Be resolutely and faithfully what you are; be humbly what you aspire to be.

Life is so short that it is not wise to take roundabout ways, nor can we spend much time in waiting.... We have not got half-way to dawn yet.

Age is no better, hardly so well, qualified for an instructor as youth, for it has not profited so much as it has lost.