Poetry interprets in two ways: it interprets by expressing, with magical felicity, the physiognomy and movements of the outward world; and it interprets by expressing, with inspired conviction, the ideas and laws of the inward world of man's moral and spiritual nature. In other words, poetry is interpretative both by having natural magic in it, and by having moral profundity.

The brave, impetuous heart yields everywhere to the subtle, contriving head.

Culture being a pursuit of our total perfection by means of getting to know, on all the matters which most concern us, the best which has been thought and said in the world.

All knowledge is interesting to a wise man, and the knowledge of nature is interesting to all men.

The nice sense of measure is certainly not one of Nature's gifts to her English children ... we have all of us yielded to infatuation at some moment of our lives.

How many minds--almost all the great ones--were formed in secrecy and solitude!

Religion--that voice of the deepest human experience.