The scholar only knows how dear these silent, yet eloquent, companions of pure thoughts and innocent hours become in the season of adversity. When all that is worldly turns to dross around us, these only retain their steady value. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Surely happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven; and every countenance, bright with smiles, and glowing with innocent enjoyment, is a mirror transmitting to others the rays of a supreme and ever-shining benevolence. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Some minds corrode and grow inactive under the loss of personal liberty; others grow morbid and irritable; but it is the nature of the… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Language gradually varies, and with it fade away the writings of authors who have flourished their allotted time; otherwise, the creative powers of genius… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands.… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Over no nation does the press hold a more absolute control than over the people of America, for the universal education of the poorest… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
I have never found, in anything outside of the four walls of my study, an enjoyment equal to sitting at my writing desk with… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
There is no character in the comedy of human life more difficult to play well than that of an old bachelor. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
He who thinks much says but little in proportion to his thoughts. He selects that language which will convey his ideas in the most… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
A woman's whole life is a history of the affections. The heart is her world: it is there her ambition strives for empire; it… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Redundancy of language is never found with deep reflection. Verbiage may indicate observation, but not thinking. He who thinks much says but little in… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
History fades into fable; fact becomes clouded with doubt and controversy; the inscription molders from the tablet: the statue falls from the pedestal. Columns,… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
