There never will exist anything permanently noble and excellent in the character which is a stranger to resolute self-denial.

What an ornament and safeguard is humor! Far better than wit for a poet and writer. It is a genius itself, and so defends from the insanities.

Real valor consists not in being insensible to danger; but in being prompt to confront and disarm it.

Tell that to the marines - the sailors won't believe it.

Although too much of a soldier among sovereigns, no one could claim with better right to be a sovereign among soldiers.

In the name of God!" said Gurth, "how came they prisoners? and to whom?" "Our master was too ready to fight," said the Jester, "and Athelstane was not ready enough, and no other person was ready at all.

Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain! Vain as the leaf upon the stream, And fickle as a changeful dream; Fantastic as a woman's mood, And fierce as Frenzy's fever'd blood. Thou many-headed monster thing, Oh who would wish to be thy king!