To all new truths, or renovation of old truths, it must be as in the ark between the destroyed and the about-to-be renovated world. The raven must be sent out before the dove, and ominous controversy must precede peace and the olive wreath.

A spring of love gush'd from my heart, And I bless'd them unaware.

I never knew a trader in philanthropy who was not wrong in his head or heart somewhere or other.

The definition of good prose is proper words in their proper places; of good verse, the most proper words in their proper places.The propriety is in either case relative. The words in prose ought to express the intended meaning, and no more; if they attract attention to themselves, it is, in general, a fault.

How strange and awful is the synthesis of life and death in the gusty winds and falling leaves of an autumnal day!

Nothing is as contagious as enthusiasm. It is the real allegory of the myth of Orpheus; it moves stones, and charms brutes. It is the genius of sincerity, and truth accomplishes no victories without it.

A man's as old as he's feeling. A woman as old as she looks.