There is one gratification an old author can afford a certain class of critics; that namely, of comparing him as he is with what he was. It is a pleasure to mediocrity to have its superiors brought within range.

I know of no teachers so powerful and persuasive as the little army of specialists. They carry no banners, they beat no drums; but where they are men learn that bustle and push are not the equals of quiet genius and serene mastery.

The mode by which the inevitable comes to pass is effort.

The very minute a thought is threatened with publicity it seems to shrink towards mediocrity.

Life, not the parson, teaches conduct.

Young feller, you will never appreciate the potentialities of the English language until you have heard a Southern mule driver search the soul of a mule.

Men must turn square corners when they deal with the Government.