Every mental pursuit takes its reality and worth from the ardour of the pursuer.

There is an old saying "well begun is half done"-'tis a bad one. I would use instead-Not begun at all 'til half done.

I wish I was either in your arms full of faith, or that a Thunder bolt would strike me.

Though the most beautiful creature were waiting for me at the end of a journey or a walk; though the carpet were of silk, the curtains of the morning clouds; the chairs and sofa stuffed with cygnet's down; the food manna, the wine beyond claret, the window opening on Winander Mere, I should not feel -or rather my happiness would not be so fine, as my solitude is sublime.

What occasions the greater part of the world's quarrels? Simply this: Two minds meet and do not understand each other in time enough to prevent any shock of surprise at the conduct of either party.

There is an electric fire in human nature tending to purify - so that among these human creatures there is continually some birth of new heroism. The pity is that we must wonder at it, as we should at finding a pearl in rubbish.

I am sailing with thee through the dizzy sky! How beautiful thou art!