I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him.

I was born modest; not all over, but in spots.

Being rich ain't what it's cracked up to be. It's just worry and worry, and sweat and sweat, and a-wishing you was dead all the time.

One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.

America cannot have an empire abroad and a Republic at home.

To us, our house was not unsentient matter -- it had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction.

None but an ass pays a compliment and asks a favour at the same time. There are many asses.