That which moveth the heart most is the best poetry; it comes nearest unto God, the source of all power.

We fancy that our afflictions are sent us directly from above; sometimes we think it in piety and contrition, but oftener in moroseness and discontent.

It appears to be among the laws of nature, that the mighty of intellect should be pursued and carped by the little, as the solitary flight of one great bird is followed by the twittering petulance of many smaller.

I see the rainbow in the sky, the dew upon the grass; I see them, and I ask not why they glimmer or they pass. With folded arms I linger not to call them back; 'twere vain: In this, or in some other spot, I know they'll shine again.

We cannot be contented because we are happy, and we cannot be happy because we are contented.

Little men build up great ones, but the snow colossus soon melts; the good stand under the eye of God, and therefore stand.

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