I 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?

When a man has not a good reason for doing a thing, he has one good reason for letting it alone.

To all, to each, a fair good-night, and pleasing dreams, and slumbers light.

Heap on more wood! - the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We'll keep our Christmas merry still.

A Christmas gambol oft could cheer The poor man's heart through half the year.

We build statues out of snow, and weep to see them melt.

Meat eaten without either mirth or music is ill of digestion.