I hate all bungling as I do sin, but particularly bungling in politics, which leads to the misery and ruin of many thousands and millions of people.

The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. Whatever you think you can do, or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, power and grace.

The ideal of beauty is simplicity and tranquility.

The work of art may have a moral effect, but to demand moral purpose from the artist is to make him ruin his work.

At bottom, no real object is unpoetical, if the poet knows how to use it properly.

Let your trouble be Light will follow dark Though the heaven falls You may hear the lark.

The deed is everything, the glory is naught.