It is by presence of mind in untried emergencies that the native metal of man is tested.

It is curious for one who studies the action and reaction of national literature on each other, to see the humor of Swift and Sterne and Fielding, after filtering through Richter, reappear in Carlyle with a tinge of Germanism that makes it novel, alien, or even displeasing, as the case may be, to the English mind.

Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.

It is mediocrity which makes laws and sets mantraps and spring-guns in the realm of free song, saying thus far shalt thou go and no further.

Reading enables us to see with the keenest eyes, to hear with the finest ears, and listen to the sweetest voices of all time.

The stiff rails were softened to swan's-down, and still fluttered down the snow.

Borrowed garments never keep one warm.