A man's grammar, like Caesar's wife, should not only be pure, but above suspicion of impurity.

A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it.

I intend to put up with nothing that I can put down."

[Letter to J. Beauchamp Jones, August 8, 1839]

It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.

Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.