But this had been a sin of passion, not of principle, nor even purpose.

Nervous and excitable persons need to talk a great deal, by way of letting off their steam.

The greatest obstacle to being heroic is the doubt whether one may not be going to prove one's self a fool; the truest heroism is to resist the doubt; and the profoundest wisdom, to know when it ought to be resisted, and when it be obeyed.

I wish I had the gift of making rhymes, for methinks there is poetry in my head and heart since I have been in love with you.

Families are always rising and falling in America.

Mankind are earthen jugs with spirits in them.

...and we have so far improved upon the custom of Adam and Eve, that we generally furnish forth our feasts with a portion of some delicate calf or lamb, whose unspotted innocence entitles them to the happiness of becoming our sustenance.