Washington Irving

“There is certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position, and be bruised in a new place.”

“They who drink beer will think beer.”

“Great minds have purposes; others have wishes.”

“On mounting a rising ground, which brought the figure of his fellow-traveller in relief against the sky, gigantic in height, and muffled in a cloak, Ichabod was horror-struck on perceiving that he was headless!--but his horror was still more increased on observing that the head, which should have rested on his shoulders, was carried before him on the pommel of his saddle!”

“Indeed, there is an eloquence in true enthusiasm that is not to be doubted.”

“In the present day, when popular literature is running into the low levels of life, and luxuriating on the vices and follies of mankind; and when the universal pursuit of gain is trampling down the early growth of poetic feeling, and wearing out the verdure of the soul, I question whether it would not be of service for the reader occasionally to turn to these records of prouder times and loftier modes of thinking; and to steep himself to the very lips in old Spanish romance.”

“There is never jealousy where there is not strong regard.”

“I profess not to know how women’s hearts are wooed and won. To me they have always been matters of riddle and admiration. Some seem to have but one vulnerable point, or door of access; while others have a thousand avenues, and may be captured in a thousand different ways. It is a great triumph of skill to gain the former, but a still greater proof of generalship to maintain possession of the latter, for man must battle for his fortress at every door and window. He who wins a thousand common hearts is therefore entitled to some renown; but he who keeps undisputed sway over the heart of a coquette is indeed a hero.”

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

“Those men are most apt to be obsequious and conciliating abroad, who are under the discipline of shrews at home.”

“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”

“Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.”

“I've had it with you and your emotional constipation!”

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

“Great minds have purpose, others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortunes; but great minds rise above them.”

“The natural effect of sorrow over the dead is to refine and elevate the mind.”

“The idol of today pushes the hero of yesterday out of our recollection; and will, in turn, be supplanted by his successor of tomorrow.”

“A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use.”

“...ducks and geese are foolish things, and must be looked after, but girls can take care of themselves.”

“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.”