Poetry is only the highest eloquence of passion, the most vivid form of expression that can be given to our conception of anything, whether pleasurable or painful, mean or dignified, delightful or distressing. It is the perfect coincidence of the image and the words with the feeling we have, and of which we cannot get rid in any other way, that gives an instant "satisfaction to the thought." This is equally the origin of wit and fancy, of comedy and tragedy, of the sublime and pathetic.

The temple of fame stands upon the grave: the flame that burns upon its altars is kindled from the ashes of great men.

Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own.

I do not think that what is called Love at first sight is so great an absurdity as it is sometimes imagined to be. We generally make up our minds beforehand to the sort of person we should like, grave or gay, black, brown, or fair; with golden tresses or raven locks; - and when we meet with a complete example of the qualities we admire, the bargain is soon struck.

Faith is necessary to victory.

The way to get on in the world is to be neither more nor less wise, neither better nor worse than your neighbours.

A King (as such) is not a great man. He has great power, but it is not his own.