James Russell Lowell

Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle.

Things always seem fairer when we look back at them, and it is out of that inaccessible tower of the past that Longing leans and beckons.

We are persuaded that the election of Mr. Lincoln will do more than anything else to appease the excitement of the country. He has proved both his ability and his integrity; he has had experience enough in public affairs to make him a …

It is the tendency of all creeds, opinions, and political dogmas that have once defined themselves in institutions to become inoperative.

Both of them mean that Labor has no rights which Capital is bound to respect,—that there is no higher law than human interest and cupidity.

Wut's words to them whose faith an' truth On war's red techstone rang true metal; Who ventered life an' love an' youth For the gret prize o' death in battle?

Under the yaller pines I house, When sunshine makes 'em all sweet-scented, An' hear among their furry boughs The baskin' west-wind purr contented.

Soft-heartedness, in times like these, Shows sof'ness in the upper story.

Our Pilgrim stock wuz pithed with hardihood.

Our papers don't purtend to print on'y wut Guv'ment choose, An' thet insures us all to git the very best o' noose.

The surest plan to make a Man Is, think him so.

No, never say nothin' without you're compelled tu, An' then don't say nothin' thet you can be held tu.

Ef you want peace, the thing you've gut tu du Is jes' to show you're up to fightin', tu.

Folks never understand the folks they hate.

The one thet fust gits mad 's 'most ollers wrong.

It's 'most enough to make a deacon swear.

My gran'ther's rule was safer 'n 'tis to crow: Don't never prophesy — onless ye know.

Like streams that keep a summer mind Snow-hid in Jenooary.

All kin' o' smily round the lips, An' teary round the lashes.

He stood a spell on one foot fust Then stood a spell on t' other, An' on which one he felt the wust He could n't ha' told ye nuther.

To say why gals acts so or so, Or don't, 'ould be persumin'; Mebby to mean yes an' say no Comes nateral to women.

His heart kep' goin' pity-pat, But hern went pity-Zekle.

She thought no v'ice hed sech a swing Ez hisn in the choir; My! when he made Ole Hunderd ring She knowed the Lord was nigher.

'T was kin' o' kingdom-come to look On sech a blessed cretur.