A thousand fearful images and dire suggestions glance along the mind when it is moody and discontented with itself. Command them to stand and show themselves, and you presently assert the power of reason over imagination.
Walter ScottI envy thee not thy faith, which is ever in thy mouth but never in thy heart nor in thy practice
Walter ScottI have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?
Walter ScottA rusted nail, placed near the faithful compass, Will sway it from the truth, and wreck the argosy.
Walter ScottWe often praise the evening clouds, And tints so gay and bold, But seldom think upon our God, Who tinged these clouds with gold.
Walter ScottO woman! in our hours of ease Uncertain, coy, and hard to please, And variable as the shade By the light quivering aspen made; When pain and anguish wring the brow, A ministering angel thou!
Walter ScottThe time which passes over our heads so imperceptibly makes the same gradual change in habits, manners and character, as in personal appearance. At the revolution of every five years we find ourselves another and yet the same;--there is a change of views, and no less of the light in which we regard them; a change of motives as well as of action.
Walter ScottTeach you children poetry; it opens the mind, lends grace to wisdom and makes the heroic virtues hereditary.
Walter ScottThere is a vulgar incredulity, which in historical matters, as well as in those of religion, finds it easier to doubt than to examine.
Walter ScottWhen a man has not a good reason for doing a thing, he has one good reason for letting it alone.
Walter ScottIt was in the beginning of the month of November, 17--, when a young English gentleman, who had just left the university of Oxford, made use of the liberty afforded him, to visit some parts of the north of England; and curiosity extended his tour into the adjacent frontier of the sister country.
Walter ScottTo be ambitious of true honor, of the true glory and perfection of our natures, is the very principle and incentive of virtue.
Walter ScottIn that pleasant district of merry England which is watered by the river Don, there extended in ancient times a large forest, covering the greater part of the beautiful hills and valleys which lie between Sheffield and the pleasant town of Doncaster.
Walter ScottThe willow which bends to the tempest often escapes better than the oak which resists it.
Walter ScottRecollect that the Almighty, who gave the dog to be companion of our pleasures and our toils, hath invested him with a nature noble and incapable of deceit.
Walter ScottGuilt, though it may attain temporal splendor, can never confer real happiness; the evil consequences of our crimes long survive their commission, and, like the ghosts of the murdered, forever haunt the steps of the malefactor; while the paths of virtue, though seldom those of worldly greatness, are always those of pleasantness and peace.
Walter ScottOne or two of these scoundrel statesmen should be shot once a-year, just to keep the others on their good behavior.
Walter ScottHe that climbs the tall tree has won right to the fruit, He that leaps the wide gulf should prevail in his suit.
Walter ScottThe most learned, acute, and diligent student cannot, in the longest life, obtain an entire knowledge of this one volume.
Walter ScottChivalry!---why, maiden, she is the nurse of pure and high affection---the stay of the oppressed, the redresser of grievances, the curb of the power of the tyrant ---Nobility were but an empty name without her, and liberty finds the best protection in her lance and her sword.
Walter ScottHe turn'd his charger as he spake, Upon the river shore, He gave his bridle reins a shake, Said, "Adieu for evermore, my love, And adieu for evermore."
Walter ScottThe paths of virtue, though seldom those of worldly greatness, are always those of pleasantness and peace.
Walter ScottFortune may raise up or abuse the ordinary mortal, but the sage and the soldier should have minds beyond her control.
Walter ScottThen hush thee, my darling, take rest while you may, For strife comes with manhood, and waking with day.
Walter Scott