Strange as it may seem, the most ludicrous lines I ever wrote have been written in the saddest mood.

Habits are soon assumed; but when we strive to strip them off, 'tis being flayed alive.

I pity them greatly, but I must be mum, for how could we do without sugar and rum?

Meditation here may think down hours to moments. Here the heart may give a useful lesson to the head and learning wiser grow without his books.

Vice stings us even in our pleasures, but virtue consoles us even in our pains.

Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to His feet, Lay me low, and keep me there.

We are never more in danger than when we think ourselves most secure, nor in reality more secure than when we seem to be most in danger.