I know of no book which has come down to us with grander pretensions than this, and it is so impersonal and sincere that it is nev...er offensive nor ridiculous. Compare the modes in which modern literature is advertised with the prospectus of this book, and think what a reading public it addresses, what criticism it expects. It seems to have been uttered from some eastern summit, with a sober morning prescience in the dawn of time, and you cannot read a sentence without being elevated as upon the table-land of the Ghauts. It has such a rhythm as the winds of the desert, such a tide as the Ganges, and is as superior to criticism as the Himmaleh Mountains.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
"A sigh for every so many breath, And for every so many sigh a death.... That's what I always tell my wife Is the multiplication table of life."LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called "facts." They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain. Who do...es not know fellows that always have an ill-conditioned fact or two that they lead after them into decent company like so many bull-dogs, ready to let them slip at every ingenious suggestion, or convenient generalization, or pleasant fancy? I allow no "facts" at this table.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;... The day returns, but nevermore Returns the traveler to the shore, And the tide rises, the tide falls.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The tide rises, the tide falls, The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;... Along the sea-sands damp and brown The traveler hastens toward the town, And the tide rises, the tide falls.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The great King of kings Hath in the table of his law commanded... That thou shalt do no murder. Will you then Spurn at his edict, and fulfill a man's? Take heed; for he holds vengeance in his hand To hurl upon their heads that break his law.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »