The aged love what is practical while impetuous youth longs only for what is dazzling.

The greater I am, the greater shall be my efforts.

When the poet died his cat was put to death and mummified.

Books can warm the heart with friendly words and counsel, entering into a close relationship with us which is articulate and alive

Gold, silver, jewels, purple garments, houses built of marble, groomed estates, pious paintings, caparisoned steeds, and other things of this kind offer a mutable and superficial pleasure; books give delight to the very marrow of one's bones. They speak to us, consult with us, and join with us in a living and intense intimacy.

And tears are heard within the harp I touch.

Nothing mortal is enduring, and there is nothing sweet which does not presently end in bitterness.