For what is history, but... huge libel on human nature, to which we industriously add page after page, volume after volume, as… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
“Such was the Arab of the desert, the dweller in tents, in whom was fulfilled the prophetic destiny of his ancestor Ishmael.… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
“In one of his traditional sermons transmitted by his disciples, is the following apologue on the subject of charity : " When… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
It was, as I have said, a fine autumnal day; the sky was clear and serene, and nature wore that rich and… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
The natural principle of war is to do the most harm to our enemy with the least harm to ourselves; and this… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
“Her mighty lakes, like oceans of liquid silver; her mountains, with bright aerial tints; her valleys, teeming with wild fertility; her tremendous… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Nature seems to delight in disappointing the assiduities of art, with which it would rear legitimate dulness to maturity; and to glory… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Nature seems to delight in disappointing the assuduities of art, with which it would rear dulness to maturity, and to glory in… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind. — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
He who would study nature in its wildness and variety, must plunge into the forest, must explore the glen, must stem the… — Washington Irving Copy Share Image
Luxury spreads its ample board before their eyes; but they are excluded from the banquet. Plenty revels over the fields; but theyare… — 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
