If the tax-gatherer, or any other public officer, asks me, as one has done, "But what shall I do?" my answer is, "If you really wish to do anything, resign your office." When the subject has refused allegiance, and the officer has resigned his office, then the revolution is accomplished.

The gentle rain which waters my beans and keeps me in the house today is not drear and melancholy, but good for me too. Though it prevents my hoeing them, it is of far more worth than my hoeing. If it should continue so long as to cause the seeds to rot in the ground and destroy the potatoes in the low lands, it would still be good for the grass on the uplands, and, being good for the grass, would be good for me, too.

Music is the crystallization of sound.

Truly the stars were given for a consolation to man.

When a dog runs at you, whistle for him.

One may almost doubt if the wisest man has learned anything of absolute value by living.

In the meanest are all the materials of manhood, only they are not rightly disposed.