Happy the land where the writers are sad, the merchants satisfied, the rich melancholic, and the populace content.

The only equitable manner in my opinion, of judging the character of a man is to examine if there are personal calculations in his conduct; if there are not, we may blame his manner of judging, but we are not the less bound to esteem him.

The pursuit of politics is religion, morality, and poetry all in one.

A Gothic building engenders true religion ... The light, falling through colored glass, the singular forms of the architecture, unite to give a silent image of that infinite mystery which the soul for ever feels, and never comprehends.

O memory, thou bitter sweet,--both a joy and a scourge!

However old a conjugal union, it still garners some sweetness. Winter has some cloudless days, and under the snow a few flowers still bloom.

Between God and love, I recognize no mediator but my conscience.