But your isolation must not be mechanical, but spiritual, that is, must be elevation.

The poet's habit of living should be set on a key so low that the common influences should delight him.

Two may talk and one may hear, but three cannot take part in a conversation of the most sincere and searching sort.

If we consider what happens in conversation, in reveries, in remorse, in times of passion, in surprises, in the instructions of dreams, wherein often we see ourselves in masquerade,--the droll disguises only magnifying and enhancing a real element, and forcing it on our distinct notice,--we shall catch many hints that will broaden and lighten into knowledge of the secret of nature.

Sleep takes off the costume of circumstance, arms us with terrible freedom, so that every will rushes to a deed.

What king has he not taught state, as Talma taught Napoleon? What maiden has not found him finer than her delicacy? What lover has he not outloved? What sage has he not outseen? What gentleman has he not instructed in the rudeness of his behavior?

Let the man stand on his feet. Let religion cease to be occasional; and the pulses of thought that go to the borders of the universe, let them proceed from the bosom of the Household.