Reputation is only a candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out, but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit.

And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.

It is the rooted instinct in men to admire what is better and more beautiful than themselves.

There is nothing so desperately monotonous as the sea, and I no longer wonder at the cruelty of pirates.

Christ was the first true democrat that ever breathed, as the old dramatist Dekkar said he was the first true gentleman.

It is singular how impatient men are with overpraise of others, how patient of overpraise of themselves; and yet the one does them no injury, while the other may be their ruin.

Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide.