"But for that blindness which is inseparable from malice, what terrible powers of evil would it possess! Fortunately for the world, its venom, like that of the rattlesnake, when most poisonous, clouds the eye of the reptile, and defeats its aim."
William Gilmore Simms was a poet, novelist, politician and historian from the American South. His writings achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced. He is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for hi
"Vanity may be likened to the smooth-skinned and velvet-footed mouse, nibbling about for ever in expectation of a crumb; while Self-Esteem is too apt to take the likeness of the huge butchers dog, who carries off your steaks, and growls at you as he goes."
William Gilmore Simms"Vanity is so constantly solicitous of self, that even where its own claims are not interested, it indirectly seeks the aliment which it loves, by showing how little is deserved by others."
William Gilmore Simms"Our possessions are wholly in our performances. He owns nothing to whom the world owes nothing."
William Gilmore Simms"Our true acquisitions lie only in our charities. We gain only as we give."
William Gilmore Simms"Most men remember obligations, but not often to be grateful; the proud are made sour by the remembrance, and the vain silent."
William Gilmore Simms"... the proverb answers where the sermon fails, as a well-charged pistol will do more execution than a whole barrel of gunpowder idly expended in the air."
William Gilmore Simms