On Love:
My love is almost anguish now,
It beats so strong and true;
‘Twere rapture, could I deem that thou
Such anguish ever knew.
(From: Stanzas)
Well had Solomon said,’Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
(From:
You have introduced a topic on which our natures are at variance — a topic we should never discuss: the very name of love is an apple of discord between us. If the reality were required, what should we do? How should we feel? My dear cousin, abandon your scheme of marriage — forget it.
(From:
On Life:
Life is so constructed, that the event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.
One feelingturned to utter anguish,
Is not my being’s only aim;
When, lorn and loveless, life will languish,
But courage can revive the flame.
(From: Frances)
The prime of life is in his veins,
And sends his blood fast flowing,
And Fancy’s fervour warms the thoughts
Now in his bosom glowing.
(From: Gilbert)
The very wildness of my sorrow
Tells me I yet have innate force;
My track of life has been too narrow,
Effort shall trace a broader course.
(From: Frances)
On Happiness:
No mockery in this world ever sounds to me so hollow as that of being told to cultivate happiness. What does such advice mean? Happiness is not a potato, to be planted in mould, and tilled with manure. Happiness is a glory shining far down upon us out of Heaven. She is a divine dew which the soul, on certain of its summer mornings, feels dropping upon it from the amaranth bloom and golden fruitage of Paradise.
(From:
On God:
I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love Him; I believe He loves me.
(From: