It seems to me one cannot sit down in that place [the Round Reading room of the British Museum] without a heart full of grateful reverence. I own to have said my grace at the table, and to have thanked Heaven for my English birthright, freely to partake of these beautiful books, and speak the truth I find there.

Revenge may be wicked, but it’s natural.

Be it remembered that man subsists upon the air more than upon his meat and drink; but no one can exist for an hour without a copious supply of air. The atmosphere which some breathe is contaminated and adulterated, and with its vital principles so diminished that it cannot fully decarbonize the blood, nor fully excite the nervous system.

Those we love can but walk down to the pier with us - the voyage we must make alone.

The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, familiar things new.

The thorn in the cushion of the editorial chair.

You, who are ashamed of your poverty, and blush for your calling, are a snob; as are you who boast of your wealth.