When there is no vision, people perish.

The German intellect wants the French sprightliness, the fine practical understanding of the English, and the American adventure; but it has a certain probity, which never rests in a superficial performance, but asks steadily, To what end? A German public asks for a controlling sincerity.

Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings.

In the actual world--the painful kingdom of time and place--dwell care, and canker, and fear. With thought, with the ideal, is immortal hilarity, the rose of joy.

Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string.

We are reformers in the spring and summer, but in autumn we stand by the old. Reformers in the morning, and conservers at night.

I wiped away the weeds and foam, I fetched my sea-borne treasures home.