Reflection brakes men cowards. There is no object that can be put in competition with life, unless it is viewed through the medium of passion, and we are hurried away by the impulse of the moment.

By retaliating our sufferings on the heads of those we love, we get rid of a present uneasiness and incur lasting remorse. With the accomplishment of our revenge our fondness returns; so that we feel the injury we have done them, even more than they do.

The essence of poetry is will and passion.

Rules and models destroy genius and art.

I like a person who knows his own mind and sticks to it; who sees at once what is to be done in given circumstances and does it. He does not beat about the bush for difficulties or excuses, but goes the shortest and most effectual way to work to attain his own ends, or to accomplish a useful object.

To be remembered after we are dead, is but poor recompense for being treated with contempt while we are living.

I like a person who knows his own mind and sticks to it; who sees at once what, in given circumstances, is to be done, and does it.