All good conversation, manners, and action come from a spontaneity which forgets usages and makes the moment great.

The private life of one man shall be a more illustrious monarchy,--more formidable to its enemy, more sweet and serene in its influence to its friend, than any kingdom in history. For a man, rightly viewed, comprehendeth the particular natures of all men.

We are as much informed of a writer's genius by what he selects as by what he originates.

I cannot marry the facts of William Shakespeare to his verse: Other men had led lives in some sort of keeping with their thought, but this man is in wide contrast.

We must learn the language of facts. The most wonderful inspirations die with their subject, if he has no hand to paint them to the senses.

How shall a man escape from his ancestors, or draw off from his veins the black drop which he drew from his father's or mother's life?

A man often pays dear for a small frugality.