The history of a soldier's wound beguiles the pain of it.

I often derive a peculiar satisfaction in conversing with the ancient and modern dead, — who yet live and speak excellently in their works. My neighbors think me often alone, — and yet at such times I am in company with more than five hundred mutes — each of whom, at my pleasure, communicates his ideas to me by dumb signs — quite as intelligently as any person living can do by uttering of words.

Sweet pliability of man's spirit, that can at once surrender itself to illusions, which cheat expectation and sorrow of their weary moments! - long - long since had ye numbered out my days, had I not trod so great a part of them upon this enchanted ground. When my way is too rough for my feet, or too steep for my strength, I get off it, to some smooth velvet path which fancy has scattered over with rose-buds of delights; and have taken a few turns on it, come back strengthened and refreshed.

Titles of honour are like the impressions on coin; — which add no value to gold and silver, but only render brass current.

When a man is discontented with himself, it has one advantage - that it puts him into an excellent frame of mind for making a bargain.

Before an affliction is digested, consolation ever comes too soon; and after it is digested, it comes too late.

One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to improve his mind and morals, and regulate his conduct.