Eloquence must be grounded on the plainest narrative. Afterwards, it may warm itself until it exhales symbols of every kind and color, speaks only through the most poetic forms; but first and last, it must still be at bottom a biblical statement of fact.

My hours are peaceful centuries.

A man is like a bit of Labrador spar, which has no luster as you turn it in your hand, until you come to a particular angle; then it shows deep and beautiful colors.

We all wish to be of importance in one way or another. The child coughs with might and main, since it has no other claim on the company.

The crowning fortune of a man is to be born to some pursuit which finds him employment and happiness, whether it be to make baskets, or broadswords, or canals, or statues, or songs.

Nothing can be preserved that is not good.

The pleasure of life is according to the man that lives it, and not according to the work or place.