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.

Vast objects of remote altitude must be looked at a long while before they are ascertained. Ages are the telescope tubes that must be lengthened out for Shakespeare; and generations of men serve but a single witness to his claims.

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

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

The wise become as the unwise in the enchanted chambers of Power, whose lamps make every face the same colour.

The deafest man can hear praise, and is slow to think any an excess.

Do not expect to be acknowledged for what you are, much less for what you would be; since no one can well measure a great man but upon the bier.