Music is God's gift to man, the only art of Heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to Heaven.

Everything that looks to the future elevates human nature.

I warmed both hands before the fire of life; It sinks, and I am ready to depart.

A critic is never too severe when he only detects the faults of an author. But he is worse than too severe when, in consequence of this detection, be presumes to place himself on a level with genius.

He who brings ridicule to bear against truth finds in his hand a blade without a hilt. The most sparkling and pointed flame of wit flickers and expires against the incombustible walls of her sanctuary.

A smile is ever the most bright and beautiful with a tear upon it. What is the dawn without the dew? The tear is rendered by the smile precious above the smile itself.

The present, like a note in music, is nothing but as it appertains to what is past and what is to come.