There are certain pursuits which, if not wholly poetic and true, do at least suggest a nobler and finer relation to nature than we know. The keeping of bees, for instance.

It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do. To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.

We can conceive of nothing more fair than something which we have experienced.

When a shadow flits across the landscape of the soul where is the substance?

God is alone,-but the devil, he is far from being alone; he sees a great deal of company; he is legion.

I have a deep sympathy with war; it so apes the gait and bearing of the soul.

Eastward I go only by force; but westward I go free.