One can with dignity be wife and widow but once.

Genuine witticisms surprise those who say them as much as those who listen to them; they arise in us in spite of us, or, at least, without our participation,--like everything inspired.

Think that day lost whose descending sun, views from thy hand no noble action done.

A maxim is the exact and noble expression of an important and indisputable truth. Good maxims are the germs of all excellence; when firmly fixed on the memory, they nourish the will.

Mediocrity is excellent to the eyes of mediocre people.

All gardeners live in beautiful places because they make them so.

The last word should be the last word. It is like a finishing touch given to color; there is nothing more to add. But what precaution is needed in order not to put the last word first.