01c. 1855 ADGreatly begin! though thou have time But for a line, be that sublime— Not failure, but low aim, is crime.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
02c. 1855 ADOne feast of holy days the crest I, though no Churchman, love to keep; All-Saints—the unknown good that rest In God’s still memory folded deep.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
03c. 1855 ADThe years Have taught some sweet, some bitter lessons, none Wiser than this, to spend in all things else, But of old friends to be most miserly.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
04c. 1855 ADIn life’s small things be resolute and great To keep thy muscles trained: knowest thou when Fate Thy measure takes, or when she’ll say to thee, “I find thee worthy, do this thing for me?”James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
05c. 1855 ADNew occasions teach new duties; Time makes ancient good uncouth; They must upward still, and onward, Who would keep abreast of truth.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
06c. 1855 ADStill o’er the earth hastes Opportunity, Seeking the hardy soul that seeks for her. Be not abroad, nor deaf with household cares That chatter loudest as they mean the least; Swift-willed is thrice willed; late means nevermore; Impatient is her foot, nor turns again.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
07c. 1855 ADReputation is in itself only a farthing candle, of wavering and uncertain flame, and easily blown out; but it is the light by which the world looks for and finds merit.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
08c. 1855 ADThe longer on this earth we live And weigh the various qualities of men The more we feel the high, stern-featured beauty Of plain devotedness to duty, Steadfast and still, nor paid with mortal praise, But finding amplest recompense For life's ungarlanded expense In work done squarely and unwasted days.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
09c. 1855 ADLife may be given in many ways, And loyalty to truth be sealed As bravely in the closet as the field, So bountiful is fate; But then to stand beside her, When craven churls deride her, To front a lie in arms and not to yield, This shows, methinks, God's plan And measure of a stalwart man, Limbed like the old heroic breeds, Who stands self-poised on manhood's solid earth, Not forced to frame excuses for his birth, Fed from within with all the strength he needs.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
10c. 1855 ADHo! for the bending sheaves, Ho! for the crimson leaves Flaming in splendor! Season of ripened gold, Plenty in crib and fold, Skies with a depth untold Liquid and tender.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
12c. 1855 ADNature fits all her children with something to do, he who would write and can't write, can surely review.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
13c. 1855 ADBooks are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
17c. 1855 ADDemocracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
18c. 1855 ADAs life runs on, the road grows strange With faces new, and near the end The milestones into headstones change, ’Neath every one a friend.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
20c. 1855 ADThere is no good arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
21c. 1855 ADWhat a sense of security in an old book which time has criticized for us!James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
22c. 1855 ADO visionary world condition strange Where naught abiding is but only change.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
23c. 1855 ADThe time is ripe and rotten-ripe for change then let it come.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
24c. 1855 ADCompromise makes a good umbrella but a poor roof it is a temporary expedient often wise in party politics almost sure to be unwise in statesmanship.James Russell Lowell / quote ↗
