It is doubtless a vice to turn one's eyes inward too much, but I am my own comedy and tragedy.

We do not know today whether we are busy or idle. In times when we thought ourselves indolent, we have afterwards discovered that much was accomplished, and much was begun in us.

The sweetest music is not in the oratorio, but in the human voice when it speaks from its instant life tones of tenderness, truth, or courage.

Every day brings a ship, Every ship brings a word; Well for those who have no fear, Looking seaward well assured That the word the vessel brings Is the word they wish to hear.

Manners are very communicable: men catch them from each other.

The less government we have the better.

I do then with my friends as I do with my books. I would have them where I can find them, but I seldom use them.