The wonder is always new that any sane man can be a sailor.

Times of heroism are generally times of terror, but the day never shines in which this element may not work.

Debt, grinding debt, whose iron face the widow, the orphan, and the sons of genius fear and hate; debt, which consumes so much time, which so cripples and disheartens a great spirit with cares that seem so base, is a preceptor whose lessons cannot be foregone, and is needed most by those who suffer from it most.

The dearest events are summer-rain.

A man must keep an eye on his servants, if he would not have them rule him.

O friend, never strike sail to a fear!

The moment we indulge our affections, the earth is metamorphosed, there is no winter and no night; all tragedies, all ennui s, vanish, all duties even.