A thing may be incredible and still be true; sometimes it is incredible because it is true.
Herman MelvilleIt is-or seems to be-a wise sort of thing, to realise that all that happens to a man in this life is only by way of joke, especially his misfortunes, if he have them. And it is also worth bearing in mind, that the joke is passed round pretty liberally & impartially, so that not very many are entitled to fancy that they in particular are getting the worst of it.
Herman MelvilleSurely a gentle sister is the second best gift to a man; and it is first in point of occurrence; for the wife comes after.
Herman MelvilleI will live and die by this testimony: that I loved a good conscience; that I never invaded another man's liberty; and that I preserved my own.
Herman Melville