The poet sees better than other mortals. I do not see things as they are, but according to my own subjective impression, and this makes life easier and simpler.

That first concept is alway the most naturally and best. The mind errs, the emotion never.

If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. therefore, respect every musician in his proper place.

My whole life has been a twenty years struggle between poetry and prose, or, if you like to call it so, Music and Law.

My indifference to money and my spendthrift ways are disgraceful. You have no idea how reckless I am; how often I practically throw money out of the window. I am always making good resolutions, but the next minute I forget and give the waiter eightpence.

Nature best teaches how to pray, and how to reverence all the gifts the Almighty has given us. She is like a vast outspread handkerchief, embroidered with God's eternal name, on which we may dry alike our tears of sorrow and of joy; she turns weeping into ecstasy, and fills our hearts with speechless, quiet reverence and resignation.

I am so fresh in soul and spirit that life gushes and bubbles around me in a thousand springs.