Washington Irving

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.

After all, it is the divinity within that makes the divinity without; and I have been more fascinated by a woman of talent and intelligence, though deficient in personal charms, than I have been by the most regular beauty.

One of the greatest and simplest tools for learning more and growing is doing more.

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.

There is in every woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.

The easiest thing to do, whenever you fail, is to put yourself down by blaming your lack of ability for your misfortunes.

It is not poverty so much as pretense that harasses a ruined man - the struggle between a proud mind and an empty purse - the keeping up of a hollow show that must soon come to an end.

Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.

A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother's love endures through all.

Marriage is the torment of one, the felicity of two, the strife and enmity of three.

There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations.