Things admit of being used as symbols, because nature is a symbol, in the whole, and in every part.

We must not inquire too curiously into the absolute value of literature. Enough that it amuses and exercises us. At least it leaves us where we were. It names things, but does not add things.

The soul circumscribes all things.

There are men too superior to be seen except by a few, as there are notes too high for the scale of most ears.

The most attractive class of people are those who are powerful obliquely, and not by the direct stroke: men of genius, but not yetaccredited: one gets the cheer of their light, without paying too great a tax.

For what are they all in their high conceit, When man in the bush with God may meet?

Let us replace sentimentalism by realism and dare to uncover those simple and terrible laws which, be they seen or unseen, pervade and govern.