But the tale or narrative set in the past may have its particular time-free value; and the candid reader will not misunderstand me, will not suppose that I intend any preposterous comparison, when I observe that Homer was farther removed in time from Troy than I am from the Napoleonic wars; yet he spoke to the Greeks for 2,000 years and more.

After all a book can be represented as a conversation with one’s demon.

For a moment Jack felt the strongest inclination to snatch up his little gilt chair and beat the white-faced man down with it.

The Navy speaks in symbols and you may suit what meaning you choose to the words.

I sew his ears on from time to time, sure.

I know of few men over 50 that seem to me entirely human, virtually none who has long exercised authority.

Other people's marriages are a perpetual source of amazement.