Ignorance seldom vaults into knowledge, but passes into it through an intermediate state of obscurity, even as night into day through twilight.

Fear gives sudden instincts of skill.

A single thought is that which it is from other thoughts as a wave of the sea takes its form and shape from the waves which precede and follow it.

I do not call the sod under my feet my country; but language-religion-government-blood-identity in these makes men of one country.

When thieves come, I bark; when gallants, I am still - So perform both my master's and mistress's will.

People of humor are always in some degree people of genius.

Heart-chilling superstition! thou canst glaze even Pity's eye with her own frozen tear.