Comparatively, tattooing is not the hideous custom which it is called. It is not barbarous merely because the printing is skin-deep and unalterable.

If thousands are thrown out of employment, it suggests that they were not well employed. Why don't they take the hint? It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?

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

The stars are distant and unobtrusive, but bright and enduring as our fairest and most memorable experiences.

The poet is blithe and cheery ever, and as well as nature.

There they lived on, those New England people, farmer lives, father and grandfather and great-grandfather, on and on without noise, keeping up tradition, and expecting, beside fair weather and abundant harvests, we did not learn what. They were contented to live, since it was so contrived for them, and where their lines had fallen.

...how deep the ruts of tradition and conformity!