The violet thinks, with her timid blue eye,To pass for a blossom enchantingly shy.“Garden Gossip,”—Mrs. Osgood.
The violet thinks, with her timid blue eye,To pass for a blossom enchantingly shy.
“Garden Gossip,”—Mrs. Osgood.
Mrs. Frances Sargent (Locke) Osgood, a well-known American poet, was born in Boston, June 18, 1811, and died in Hingham, Mass., May 12, 1850. She published: “Wreath of Wild Flowers,” “Poetry of Flowers,” “Poems,” etc.
Whilst twilight’s curtain spreading far,Was pinned with a single star.“Death in Disguise,” Line 227 (Boston edition, 1833).—McDonald Clarke.
Whilst twilight’s curtain spreading far,Was pinned with a single star.
“Death in Disguise,” Line 227 (Boston edition, 1833).—McDonald Clarke.
McDonald Clarke, a noted American poet, was born in Bath, Maine, June 18, 1778, and died in New York, March 5, 1842. His works include: “Poetic Sketches,” “The Belles of Broadway,” etc.
Learning hath gained most by those books by which the printers have lost.“Of Books,”—Thomas Fuller.
Learning hath gained most by those books by which the printers have lost.
“Of Books,”—Thomas Fuller.
Thomas Fuller, a famous English divine and historian, was baptized on June 19, 1608, and died in 1661. Among his famous works are: “David’s Heinous Sin,” “History of the Holy War,” “Church History of Britain,” etc. “The Worthies of England,” is the work for which he is now esteemed.
Montaigne is wrong in declaring that custom ought to be followed simply because it is custom, and not because it is reasonable or just.“Thoughts,” Chap. IV, 6,—Blaise Pascal.
Montaigne is wrong in declaring that custom ought to be followed simply because it is custom, and not because it is reasonable or just.
“Thoughts,” Chap. IV, 6,—Blaise Pascal.
Blaise Pascal, a renowned French philosopher and mathematician, was born at Clermont Ferrand, in Auvergne,June 19, 1623, and died at Paris, August 19, 1662. His writings include: “Letters Written by Louis Montalte to a Friend in the Provinces,” more widely known as the “Provincial Letters,” and his “Thoughts on Religion” (Pensées), which was published after his death.
Child of mortality, whence comest thou? Why is thy countenance sad, and why are thine eyes red with weeping?“Hymns in Prose,” xiii,—Mrs. Barbauld. 1743-1825.
Child of mortality, whence comest thou? Why is thy countenance sad, and why are thine eyes red with weeping?
“Hymns in Prose,” xiii,—Mrs. Barbauld. 1743-1825.
Anna Lætitia Barbauld, a celebrated English poet and essayist, was born in Kibworth-Harcourt, Leicestershire, June 20, 1743, and died in Stoke Newington, March 9, 1825. She wrote: “Early Lessons for Children,” “Devotional Pieces,” “Hymns in Prose for Children,” “Eighteen Hundred and Eleven,” etc.
The summer day was spoiled with fitful storm;At night the wind died and the soft rain dropped;With lulling murmur, and the air was warm,And all the tumult and the trouble stopped.“The Nestling Swallows,”—Celia Thaxter.
The summer day was spoiled with fitful storm;At night the wind died and the soft rain dropped;With lulling murmur, and the air was warm,And all the tumult and the trouble stopped.
“The Nestling Swallows,”—Celia Thaxter.
Mrs. Celia (Leighton) Thaxter, a famous American poet, was born at Portsmouth, N. H., June 20, 1836, and died in 1894. She has written: “Poems for Children,” “Idyls and Pastorals,” “Poems,” “Drift-Weed,” “The Yule Log,” “Letters,” “An Island Garden,” “Among the Isles of Shoals,” “Stories and Poems for Children,” etc.
Woman’s love is writ in water!Woman’s faith is traced on sand!“Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers”; “Charles Edward at Versailles,”—W. E. Aytoun.
Woman’s love is writ in water!Woman’s faith is traced on sand!
“Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers”; “Charles Edward at Versailles,”—W. E. Aytoun.
William Edmonstoune Aytoun, a noted Scottish humorist, was born in Edinburgh, June 21, 1813, and died at Blackhills, near Elgin, August 4, 1865. He wrote: “Ballads of Scotland,” and his most famous work, “Lays of theScottish Cavaliers.” With Theodore Martin he wrote the celebrated “Bon Gaultier Ballads.”
With the multiplication of books comes the rapid extension and awakening of mental activity.“Constitutional History of England,”—William Stubbs.
With the multiplication of books comes the rapid extension and awakening of mental activity.
“Constitutional History of England,”—William Stubbs.
William Stubbs, a noted English historical writer, was born at Knaresborough, June 21, 1825, and died April 22, 1901. His most famous work is: “The Constitutional History of England.” He also published: “Lectures on Mediæval and Modern History.”
Hopkins sought to add to the five points of Calvinism the rather heterogeneous ingredient that holiness consists in pure, disinterested benevolence, and that all regard for self is necessarily sinful.“History of the United States of America,” Vol. II, p. 597,—Richard Hildreth.
Hopkins sought to add to the five points of Calvinism the rather heterogeneous ingredient that holiness consists in pure, disinterested benevolence, and that all regard for self is necessarily sinful.
“History of the United States of America,” Vol. II, p. 597,—Richard Hildreth.
Richard Hildreth, a renowned American historian, was born in Deerfield, Mass., June 22, 1807, and died in Florence, Italy, July 11, 1865. Among his works are: “History of Banks,” “Theory of Morals,” “Theory of Politics,” and his most noted work, “History of the United States.”
My two favourite novels are Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities” and Lytton’s “Coming Race.” Both these books I can read again and again, and with an added pleasure. Only my delight in the last is always marred afresh by disgust at the behaviour of the hero, who, in order to return to this dull earth, put away the queenly Zoe’s love.“Books which Have Influenced Me,” p. 67,—Haggard, H. Rider.
My two favourite novels are Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities” and Lytton’s “Coming Race.” Both these books I can read again and again, and with an added pleasure. Only my delight in the last is always marred afresh by disgust at the behaviour of the hero, who, in order to return to this dull earth, put away the queenly Zoe’s love.
“Books which Have Influenced Me,” p. 67,—Haggard, H. Rider.
Sir Henry Rider Haggard, a celebrated English novelist was born in Norfolk, June 22, 1856. Among his numerous works are: “Cetewayo and His White Neighbors,” “Dawn,” “The Witch’s Head,” “King Solomon’sMines,” “She,” “Jess,” “Allan Quatermain,” “Cleopatra,” “Allan’s Wife,” “Beatrice,” “Nada, the Lily,” “The People of the Mist,” “Heart of the World,” “Joan Haste,” “Rural England,” “Pearl Maiden,” “The Way of the Spirit,” “Benita,” “Fair Margaret,” “The Yellow God,” “Regeneration,” “Red Eve,” “Marie,” “Child of Storm,” “The Holy Flower,” “The Ivory Child,” “Love Eternal,” “Moon of Israel,” “When the World Shook,” etc.
At some disputed barricade,When Spring comes back with rustling shadeAnd apple-blossoms fill the air,—I have a rendezvous with DeathWhen Spring brings back blue days and fair.“I have a Rendezvous With Death,”—Alan Seeger.
At some disputed barricade,When Spring comes back with rustling shadeAnd apple-blossoms fill the air,—I have a rendezvous with DeathWhen Spring brings back blue days and fair.
“I have a Rendezvous With Death,”—Alan Seeger.
Alan Seeger, a noted American poet, was born in New York City, June 22, 1888, and was killed on the field of Belloy en Santene, France, July 4, 1916. He will always be remembered for his famous poem, “I Have a Rendezvous with Death.”
If but one friend have crossed thy way,Once only, in thy mortal day;If only once life’s best surpriseHas opened on thy human eyes;Ingrate thou wert, indeed, if thouDidst not in that rare presence bow,And on earth’s holy ground, unshod,Speak softlier the dear name of God.—Lucy Larcom.
If but one friend have crossed thy way,Once only, in thy mortal day;If only once life’s best surpriseHas opened on thy human eyes;Ingrate thou wert, indeed, if thouDidst not in that rare presence bow,And on earth’s holy ground, unshod,Speak softlier the dear name of God.
—Lucy Larcom.
Lucy Larcom, a noted American poet, was born at Beverly, Mass., June 23 (?), 1826, and died in Boston in 1893. Her works include: “Poems,” “An Idyl of Work, a Story in Verse,” “As It Is in Heaven,” and “The Unseen Friend.”
The world still needsIts champion as of old, and finds him still.“The Epic of Hades: Herakles,”—Sir Lewis Morris.
The world still needsIts champion as of old, and finds him still.
“The Epic of Hades: Herakles,”—Sir Lewis Morris.
Sir Lewis Morris, a distinguished British poet, was born at Penbryn, June 23, 1833, and died November 13, 1907. His poetical works include: “Songs of Two Worlds,” “The Epic of Hades” (his best-known work) “Songs Unsung,” “A Vision of Saints,” “The Ode of Life,” “Idylls and Lyrics,” “The New Rambler,” and “Gwen.”
Time is short, your obligations are infinite. Are your houses regulated, your children instructed, the afflicted relieved, the poor visited, the work of piety accomplished?—Massillon.
Time is short, your obligations are infinite. Are your houses regulated, your children instructed, the afflicted relieved, the poor visited, the work of piety accomplished?
—Massillon.
Jean Baptiste Massillon, a renowned French preacher, was born at Hyères, June 24, 1663, and died at Clermont, September 18, 1742. His sermons have been translated into English, also the funeral oration on Louis XIV. (London, 1872.)
A glass is good, and a lass is good,And a pipe to smoke in cold weather;The world is good, and the people are good,And we’re all good fellows together.“Sprigs of Laurel,” Act. II. Sc. I,—John B. O’Keefe.
A glass is good, and a lass is good,And a pipe to smoke in cold weather;The world is good, and the people are good,And we’re all good fellows together.
“Sprigs of Laurel,” Act. II. Sc. I,—John B. O’Keefe.
John B. O’Keefe, a famous Irish dramatist, was born in Dublin, June 24, 1747, and died at Southampton, February 4, 1833. Among his plays are: “The Young Quaker,” “The Poor Soldier,” “Peeping Tom,” “Wild Oats,” “The Castle of Andalusia,” “Sprigs of Laurel,” etc.
Of all the duties, the love of truth, with faith and constancy in it, ranks first and highest. Truth is God. To love God and to love Truth are one and the same.—Silvio Pellico.
Of all the duties, the love of truth, with faith and constancy in it, ranks first and highest. Truth is God. To love God and to love Truth are one and the same.
—Silvio Pellico.
Silvio Pellico, an illustrious Italian poet, was born at Saluzzo, in Piedmont, June 24, 1788, and died at Turin,January 31, 1854. Among his tragedies are: “Iginia of Asti,” “Ester of Engaddi,” “Leonerio of Dertonia,” “Laodicea,” “Eufemio of Messina,” “Gismonda da Mendrisio,” “Thomas More,” “Herodias,” and “Francesca da Rimini,” his most celebrated tragedy.
Put away all sarcasm from your speech. Never complain. Do not prophesy evil. Have a good word for every one or else keep silent.—Henry Ward Beecher.
Put away all sarcasm from your speech. Never complain. Do not prophesy evil. Have a good word for every one or else keep silent.
—Henry Ward Beecher.
Henry Ward Beecher, a distinguished American clergyman, was born in Litchfield, Conn., June 24, 1813, and died in Brooklyn, New York, March 8, 1887. He wrote: “Freedom and War,” “Norwood, or Village Life in New England,” “Eyes and Ears,” “Star Papers: or Experiences of Art and Nature,” etc. His “Sermons” were edited by Dr. Lyman Abbott in 1868.
Who can refute a sneer?“Moral Philosophy.” Vol. II, Book V, Chap. 9.—William Paley.
Who can refute a sneer?
“Moral Philosophy.” Vol. II, Book V, Chap. 9.—William Paley.
William Paley, a noted English divine and philosopher, was born at Peterborough, June 25 (?), 1743, and died May 25, 1805. He published his lectures, revised and enlarged under the title of “The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy”; also “Deity Collected from the Appearances of Nature.”
Dryden’s practical knowledge of English was beyond all others exquisite and wonderful.“The Diversions of Purley,”—John Horne Tooke.
Dryden’s practical knowledge of English was beyond all others exquisite and wonderful.
“The Diversions of Purley,”—John Horne Tooke.
John Horne Tooke, a celebrated English political writer and grammarian, was born at Westminster, June 25, 1736, and died at Wimbledon, March 18, 1812. His principal work was: “Epea Pteroenta (Winged Words); or The Diversions of Purley.”
Live while you live, the epicure would say,And seize the pleasures of the present day;Live while you live, the sacred preacher cries,And give to God each moment as it flies.Lord, in my views, let both united be:I live in pleasure when I live to thee.“Epigram on his Family Arms,”—Philip Doddridge.
Live while you live, the epicure would say,And seize the pleasures of the present day;Live while you live, the sacred preacher cries,And give to God each moment as it flies.Lord, in my views, let both united be:I live in pleasure when I live to thee.
“Epigram on his Family Arms,”—Philip Doddridge.
Philip Doddridge, a distinguished English non-conformist divine, was born in London, June 26, 1702, and died in Lisbon, Portugal, October 26, 1751. Among his works are: “The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul,” “The Family Expositor,” and “Evidences of Christianity.”
Lafcadio Hearn is a painter with the pen.
Lafcadio Hearn is a painter with the pen.
Lafcadio Hearn, a noted American journalist and miscellaneous writer, was born at Santa Maura, Ionian Islands, June 27, 1850, and died September 26, 1904. He has written: “Two Years in the French West Indies,” “Youma,” “Some Chinese Ghosts,” “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan,” “Gleanings in Buddha-fields,” “Out of the East,” “Kokoro,” “Exotics and Retrospectives,” “Shadowings,” “A Japanese Miscellany,” “Kotto,” “Japanese Fairy Tales,” “Kwaidan,” etc.
Days of absence, sad and dreary,Clothed in sorrow’s dark array,—Days of absence, I am weary:She I love is far away.“Days of Absence,”—Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Days of absence, sad and dreary,Clothed in sorrow’s dark array,—Days of absence, I am weary:She I love is far away.
“Days of Absence,”—Jean Jacques Rousseau.
Jean Jacques Rousseau, the renowned French writer, was born in Geneva, June 28, 1712, and died at Ermenonville near Paris, July 2, 1778. Among his numerous works may be mentioned: “A Project of Perpetual Peace,” “To the Archbishop of Paris,” “Letters from the Mountain,” “Consolations of My Life,” “Memoir on the Shape of the Earth,” “The Village Soothsayer,” “Letter on French Music,” “On Political Economy,” “Letters to Voltaire,” “Narcissus,” “The Social Contract,” “Letters on His Exile,” and his famous, “Confessions.”
So long as a ray of sunlight illumines her fields, Italy will reverence Alfieri as the first to give to tragedy a noble mission, to raise it from the dust in which it lay, and make of it the instructor of the people.“Life and Writings,” Vol. II,—Mazzini.
So long as a ray of sunlight illumines her fields, Italy will reverence Alfieri as the first to give to tragedy a noble mission, to raise it from the dust in which it lay, and make of it the instructor of the people.
“Life and Writings,” Vol. II,—Mazzini.
Joseph Mazzini, a famous Italian patriot, was born at Genoa, June 28 (?), 1805, and died at Pisa, March 10, 1872. “Complete Works” (18 vols.), 1861-91. His “Memoirs” were published in 1875.
For right is right, since God is God,And right the day must win;To doubt would be disloyalty,To falter would be sin.“The Right Must Win,”—Frederick W. Faber.
For right is right, since God is God,And right the day must win;To doubt would be disloyalty,To falter would be sin.
“The Right Must Win,”—Frederick W. Faber.
Frederick William Faber, a distinguished English hymn-writer, was born in Calverley, Yorkshire, June 28, 1814, and died at the Oratory, Brompton, September 26, 1863. His collection of “Hymns” appeared in 1848.
Be silent and safe,—silence never betrays you.“Rules of the Road,”—John B. O’Reilly.
Be silent and safe,—silence never betrays you.
“Rules of the Road,”—John B. O’Reilly.
John Boyle O’Reilly, a celebrated Irish-American poet and prose-writer, was born near Drogheda, Ireland, June 28, 1844, and died at Hull, Mass., August 10, 1890. He wrote: “Songs of the Southern Seas,” “Moondyne,” etc.
Don’t you remember, sweet Alice, Ben Bolt?Sweet Alice, whose hair was so brown;Who wept with delight when you gave her a smile,And trembled with fear at your frown!“Ben Bolt,”—Thomas Dunn English.
Don’t you remember, sweet Alice, Ben Bolt?Sweet Alice, whose hair was so brown;Who wept with delight when you gave her a smile,And trembled with fear at your frown!
“Ben Bolt,”—Thomas Dunn English.
Thomas Dunn English, a noted American writer, was born in Philadelphia, June 29, 1819, and died in 1902. He is best remembered by his famous song, “Ben Bolt.”
Just take a trifling handful, O philosopher!Of magic matter: give it a slight toss overThe ambient ether—and I don’t see whyYou shouldn’t make a sky.“Sky-Making.” To Professor Tyndall,—Mortimer Collins.
Just take a trifling handful, O philosopher!Of magic matter: give it a slight toss overThe ambient ether—and I don’t see whyYou shouldn’t make a sky.
“Sky-Making.” To Professor Tyndall,—Mortimer Collins.
Mortimer Collins, a famous English novelist and poet, was born in Plymouth, June 29, 1827, and died at Knowl Hill, Berkshire, July 28, 1876. His novels include: “Who Is the Heir,” “Sweet Anne Page,” “The Ivory Gate,” “The Vivian Romance,” “The Marquis and Merchant,” “Two Plunges for a Pearl,” “Blacksmith and Scholar,” etc. Also: “Idyls and Rhymes,” “Summer Songs,” and “The British Birds.”
No historian who has yet written has shown such familiarity with the facts of English history, no matter what the subject in hand may be: the extinction of villeinage, the Bloody Assizes, the appearance of the newspaper, the origin of the national debt, or the state of England in 1685. Macaulay is absolutely unrivaled in the art of arranging and combining his facts, and of presenting in a clear and vigorous narrative the spirit of the epoch he treats. Nor should we fail to mention that both Essays and History abound in remarks, general observations, and comment always clear, vigorous, and shrewd, and in the main very just.“Library of the World’s Best Literature,” ed., Warner, p. 9386.—John Bach McMaster.
No historian who has yet written has shown such familiarity with the facts of English history, no matter what the subject in hand may be: the extinction of villeinage, the Bloody Assizes, the appearance of the newspaper, the origin of the national debt, or the state of England in 1685. Macaulay is absolutely unrivaled in the art of arranging and combining his facts, and of presenting in a clear and vigorous narrative the spirit of the epoch he treats. Nor should we fail to mention that both Essays and History abound in remarks, general observations, and comment always clear, vigorous, and shrewd, and in the main very just.
“Library of the World’s Best Literature,” ed., Warner, p. 9386.—John Bach McMaster.
John Bach McMaster, a renowned American historian, was born at Brooklyn, N. Y., June 29, 1852. He has written: “Brief History of the United States,” “Cambridge Modern History,” “A Primary School History of the United States,” “Daniel Webster,” “The Struggle for the Social, Political and Industrial Rights of Man,” “Life and Times of Stephen Girard,” and his most famous work, “History of the People of the United States.”
Is she not more than painting can express,Or youthful poets fancy when they love?“The Fair Penitent,” Act III, Sc. I,—Nicholas Rowe.
Is she not more than painting can express,Or youthful poets fancy when they love?
“The Fair Penitent,” Act III, Sc. I,—Nicholas Rowe.
Nicholas Rowe, a distinguished English dramatist and poet-laureate, was born at Little Barford, Bedfordshire,June 30 (?), 1674, and died December 6, 1718. He is best known as the translator of Lucan’s “Pharsalia.” He was the author of many successful plays, the most popular being: “Tamerlane,” “The Fair Penitent,” “Jane Shore,” and “Lady Jane Grey.”
Why thus longing, thus forever sighingFor the far-off, unattained, and dim,While the beautiful all round thee lyingOffers up its low, perpetual hymn?“Why thus Longing?”—Harriet Winslow Sewall.
Why thus longing, thus forever sighingFor the far-off, unattained, and dim,While the beautiful all round thee lyingOffers up its low, perpetual hymn?
“Why thus Longing?”—Harriet Winslow Sewall.
Harriet (Winslow) Sewall, a noted American poet, was born at Portland, Me., June 30, 1819, and died at Wellesley, Mass., February, 1889. “Poems, with a Memoir,” was published in 1889.
[1]He who flies can also return; but it is not so with him who dies.
[1]He who flies can also return; but it is not so with him who dies.
[2]Brave men are brave from the very first.
[2]Brave men are brave from the very first.
JULY
Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl chain of all virtues.“Christian Moderation,” Introduction,—Bishop Hall.
Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl chain of all virtues.
“Christian Moderation,” Introduction,—Bishop Hall.
Joseph Hall (Bishop Hall), a famous English bishop and satirist, was born at Bristow Park near Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, July 1, 1574, and died in 1656. He wrote “Episcopacy by Divine Right,” “An Humble Remonstrance to the High Court of Parliament,” “Of Toothless Satyrs,” “Christian Moderation,” “Contemplations,” etc.
Solitude holds a cup sparkling with bliss in her right hand, a raging dagger in her left. To the blest she offers her goblet, but stretches towards the wretched the ruthless steel.—Klopstock.
Solitude holds a cup sparkling with bliss in her right hand, a raging dagger in her left. To the blest she offers her goblet, but stretches towards the wretched the ruthless steel.
—Klopstock.
Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, a renowned German poet, was born at Quedlinburg, July 2, 1724, and died at Hamburg, 1803. He is best known by his great epic, “The Messiah,” and his “Odes.”
Discouragement seizes us only when we can no longer count on chance.“Handsome Lawrence,” Ch. II,—George Sand.
Discouragement seizes us only when we can no longer count on chance.
“Handsome Lawrence,” Ch. II,—George Sand.
George Sand (Baronne Dudevant), the great French novelist, was born in Paris, July 2, 1804, and died at Nohant, June 7, 1876. Among her numerous works may be mentioned: “Indiana,” “Aldo the Poet,” “The Private Secretary,” “Andrè,” “A Winter at Majorca,” “Gabriel,” “Pauline,” “Horace,” “The Seven Strings of the Lyre,” “Consuelo,” “The Companion of a French Tour,” “Isidora,” “The Countess of Rudolstadt,” “The Miller of Angibault,” “The Castle of Solitude,” “The Master Ringers,” “Story of My Life,” “The Snow Man,” “Flavia,” “Tamaris,” “The Last Love,” “Cadio,” “A Rolling Stone,” “The Little Daughter,” “Narcissus,” “Village Walks,” “Loves of the Golden Age,” “Journal of a Tourist During the War,” etc., etc.
Silence is the speech of love,The music of the spheres above.“Speech of Love,”—Richard Henry Stoddard.
Silence is the speech of love,The music of the spheres above.
“Speech of Love,”—Richard Henry Stoddard.
Richard Henry Stoddard, a distinguished American lyric poet, was born at Hingham, Mass., July 2, 1825, and died in 1903. His works include: “Abraham Lincoln: A Horatian Ode,” “Poems,” “The Lion’s Cub,” “Songs of Summer,” etc.
Life is a voyage. The winds of life come strongFrom every point; yet each will speed thy course along,If thou with steady hand when tempests blowCanst keep thy course aright and never once let go.“The Voyage of Life,”—Theodore Chickering Williams.
Life is a voyage. The winds of life come strongFrom every point; yet each will speed thy course along,If thou with steady hand when tempests blowCanst keep thy course aright and never once let go.
“The Voyage of Life,”—Theodore Chickering Williams.
Theodore Chickering Williams, a noted American clergyman, educator and author, was born at Brookline, Mass., July 2, 1855, and died in 1915. He has written: “Character Building,” “Elegies of Tibullus,” “Virgil’s Æneid,” “Poems of Belief,” “Virgil’s Georgics and Eclogues,” etc.
At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.—Grattan.
At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.
—Grattan.
Henry Grattan, a noted Irish orator and statesman, was born in Dublin, July 3, 1746, and died in London, June 4, 1820. He wrote: “Letters on the Irish Union,” “Correspondence,” and numerous speeches.
We do ourselves wrong, and too meanly estimate the holiness above us, when we deem that any act or enjoyment good in itself, is not good to do religiously.“Marble Faun,” Bk. II, Ch. VII,—Nathaniel Hawthorne.
We do ourselves wrong, and too meanly estimate the holiness above us, when we deem that any act or enjoyment good in itself, is not good to do religiously.
“Marble Faun,” Bk. II, Ch. VII,—Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, a famous American novelist and short-story writer, was born in Salem, Mass., July 4, 1804, and died at Plymouth, N. H., May 19, 1864. He wrote: “The House of the Seven Gables,” “Tanglewood Tales,” “The Wonder Book,” “Tales of the White Hills,” “Twice-Told Tales,” “Mosses from an Old Manse,” “Fanshawe,” “Our Old Home,” “The Marble Faun,” “The Scarlet Letter,” etc.
Let travellers devote one entire morning to inspecting the Arcos and the Mai das agoas, after which they may repair to the English Church and cemetery, Pere-la-chaise in miniature, where, if they be of England, they may well be excused if they kiss the cold tomb, as I did, of the author of “Amelia,” the most singular genius which their island ever produced, whose works it has long been the fashion to abuse in public and then read in secret.“The Bible in Spain,”—George Borrow.
Let travellers devote one entire morning to inspecting the Arcos and the Mai das agoas, after which they may repair to the English Church and cemetery, Pere-la-chaise in miniature, where, if they be of England, they may well be excused if they kiss the cold tomb, as I did, of the author of “Amelia,” the most singular genius which their island ever produced, whose works it has long been the fashion to abuse in public and then read in secret.
“The Bible in Spain,”—George Borrow.
George Borrow, a distinguished English philologist, and traveler, was born in East Dereham, Norfolk, July 5, 1803, and died in Oulton, Suffolk, July 30, 1881. Among his writings are: “Romano Lavo Lil, or Word-Book of the Romany,” “The Zincali, or Gipsies of Spain,” “The Bible in Spain,” “Lavengro,” “The Romany Rye,” and “Wild Wales.”
The knowledge which we have acquired ought not to resemble a great shop without order, and without an inventory; we ought to know what we possess, and be able to make it serve us in need.—Leibnitz.
The knowledge which we have acquired ought not to resemble a great shop without order, and without an inventory; we ought to know what we possess, and be able to make it serve us in need.
—Leibnitz.
Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibnitz, a renowned German philosopher and scholar, was born at Leipsic, July 6, 1646, and died at Hanover, November 14, 1716. Among his writings are: “Essays on God’s Goodness, Man’s Freedom, and the Origin of Evil,” “Principles of Nature and Grace,” “New Essays on the Human Understanding,” etc.
Alexander Wilson, in the Preface to his “American Ornithology,” (1808), quotes these words, and relates the story of a boy who had been gathering flowers. On bringing them to his mother, he said, “Look, my dear Ma! What beautiful flowers I have found growing in our place! Why, all the woods are full of them!”—Alexander Wilson.
Alexander Wilson, in the Preface to his “American Ornithology,” (1808), quotes these words, and relates the story of a boy who had been gathering flowers. On bringing them to his mother, he said, “Look, my dear Ma! What beautiful flowers I have found growing in our place! Why, all the woods are full of them!”
—Alexander Wilson.
Alexander Wilson, a celebrated Scotch-American ornithologist, was born at Paisley, Scotland, July 6, 1766, and died in Philadelphia, August 23, 1813. His most important work, “American Ornithology,” won for him great fame.
Awake thee, my Lady-Love!Wake thee, and rise!The sun through the bower peepsInto thine eyes.“Waking Song,”—George Darley.
Awake thee, my Lady-Love!Wake thee, and rise!The sun through the bower peepsInto thine eyes.
“Waking Song,”—George Darley.
George Darley, a noted Irish poet and critic, was born in Dublin, July 7, 1795, and died near Rome, November 23, 1846. He wrote: “Sylvia, or the May Queen,” “Nepenthe,” “Errors of Extasie and Other Poems,” and numerous studies of other men’s work.
There’s a hope for every woe,And a balm for every pain,But the first joys of our heartCome never back again!“The Exile’s Song,”—Robert Gilfillan.
There’s a hope for every woe,And a balm for every pain,But the first joys of our heartCome never back again!
“The Exile’s Song,”—Robert Gilfillan.
Robert Gilfillan, a renowned Scotch poet, was born in Dumfermline, July 7, 1798, and died at Leith, December 4, 1850. His “Original Songs” have made him famous, the best known of the collection being: “In the Days o’ Langsyne,” “Peter McCraw,” and “The Exile’s Song.”
The opinion of the strongest is always the best.“The Wolf and the Lamb,” from “Fables,” Book I, Fable 10,—Jean de La Fontaine.
The opinion of the strongest is always the best.
“The Wolf and the Lamb,” from “Fables,” Book I, Fable 10,—Jean de La Fontaine.
Jean de La Fontaine, the great French fabulist and poet, was born at Château-Thierry, in Champagne, July 8, 1621, and died in Paris, April 13, 1695. His principal works were: “Stories and Novels,” “Adonis,” “The Loves of Psyche,” and his celebrated “Fables.”
They love their land because it is their own,And scorn to give aught other reason why;Would shake hands with a king upon his throne,And think it kindness to his Majesty.“Connecticut,”—Fitz-Greene Halleck.
They love their land because it is their own,And scorn to give aught other reason why;Would shake hands with a king upon his throne,And think it kindness to his Majesty.
“Connecticut,”—Fitz-Greene Halleck.
Fitz-Greene Halleck, a celebrated American poet, was born in Guilford, Conn., July 8, 1790, and died there, November 19, 1867. His most important poems were: “Fanny,” and “Marco Bozzaris.”
Time softly thereLaughs through the abyss of radiance with the gods.“The Fire-Bringer,” Act i,—William Vaughn Moody.
Time softly thereLaughs through the abyss of radiance with the gods.
“The Fire-Bringer,” Act i,—William Vaughn Moody.
William Vaughn Moody, a noted American poet, was born at Spencer, Indiana, July 8, 1869, and died at Colorado Springs, October 17, 1910. He is best known by his famous poem, “An Ode in Time of Hesitation,” which won for him lasting fame. Among his dramas are: “The Masque of Judgment,” “The Great Divide,” and “The Faith-Healer.” With R. W. Lovett, he wrote: “History of English Literature,” etc.
A manufacturing district ... sends out, as it were, suckers into all its neighborhood.“View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages,” Ch. IX,—Hallam.
A manufacturing district ... sends out, as it were, suckers into all its neighborhood.
“View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages,” Ch. IX,—Hallam.
Henry Hallam, a distinguished English historian, was born at Windsor, July 9, 1777, and died at Pickhurst, Kent,January 21, 1859. His noted works are: “Constitutional History of England,” “Introduction to the Literature of Europe During the Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries,” and “A View of the State of Europe During the Middle Ages.”
I have not so great a struggle with my vices, great and numerous as they are, as I have with my impatience.—Calvin.
I have not so great a struggle with my vices, great and numerous as they are, as I have with my impatience.
—Calvin.
John Calvin, a renowned reformer and theologian, was born at Noyon, in Picardy, France, July 10, 1509; and died in Geneva, May 27, 1564. He wrote: “Commentaries on the New Testament,” and “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” the latter his most famous work.
Man was formed for society; and, as is demonstrated by the writers on the subject, is neither capable of living alone, nor indeed has the courage to do it. However, as it is impossible for the whole race of mankind to be united in one great society, they must necessarily divide into many, and form separate states, commonwealths, and nations, entirely independent of each other, and yet liable to a mutual intercourse.“Comment: Of the Nature of Laws in General,”—Blackstone.
Man was formed for society; and, as is demonstrated by the writers on the subject, is neither capable of living alone, nor indeed has the courage to do it. However, as it is impossible for the whole race of mankind to be united in one great society, they must necessarily divide into many, and form separate states, commonwealths, and nations, entirely independent of each other, and yet liable to a mutual intercourse.
“Comment: Of the Nature of Laws in General,”—Blackstone.
Sir William Blackstone, an eminent English jurist and writer on law, was born in London, July 10, 1723, and died in 1780. He won great celebrity by his famous “Commentaries on the Laws of England.”
All lies disgrace a gentleman, white or black, although I grant there is a difference. To say the least of it, it is a dangerous habit, for white lies are but the gentleman ushers to black ones. I know of but one point on which a lie is excusable, and that is, when you wish to deceive the enemy. Then, your duty to your country warrants your lying till you are black in the face; and, for the very reason that it goes against your grain, it becomes, as it were, a sort of virtue.—Captain Marryat.
All lies disgrace a gentleman, white or black, although I grant there is a difference. To say the least of it, it is a dangerous habit, for white lies are but the gentleman ushers to black ones. I know of but one point on which a lie is excusable, and that is, when you wish to deceive the enemy. Then, your duty to your country warrants your lying till you are black in the face; and, for the very reason that it goes against your grain, it becomes, as it were, a sort of virtue.
—Captain Marryat.
Frederick Marryat (Captain Marryat), a celebrated English novelist, was born in London, July 10, 1792, anddied at Langham, Norfolk, August 9, 1848. His best known works are: “The King’s Own,” “Frank Mildmay,” “Peter Simple,” “Mr. Midshipman Easy,” “Japhet in Search of a Father,” “Masterman Ready,” etc.
Chance is blind and is the sole author of creation.“Picciola,” Ch. III,—J. X. B. Saintine.
Chance is blind and is the sole author of creation.
“Picciola,” Ch. III,—J. X. B. Saintine.
Joseph Xavier Boniface Saintine, known as Saintine, the renowned French littérateur and dramatist, was born in Paris, July 10, 1798, and died there, January 21, 1865. He wrote numerous plays, but his story, “Picciola,” won for him world-wide fame.
This hand, to tyrants ever sworn the foe,For Freedom only deals the deadly blow;Then sheathes in calm repose the vengeful blade,For gentle peace in Freedom’s hallowed shade.Written in an Album, 1842,—John Quincy Adams.
This hand, to tyrants ever sworn the foe,For Freedom only deals the deadly blow;Then sheathes in calm repose the vengeful blade,For gentle peace in Freedom’s hallowed shade.
Written in an Album, 1842,—John Quincy Adams.
John Quincy Adams, an illustrious American statesman and publicist, and sixth President of the United States, was born at Braintree, Mass., July 11, 1767, and died in Washington, D. C., February 21, 1848. He published: “Letters on Silesia,” etc. The “Diary of J. Q. Adams,” and his “Memoirs” appeared after his death.
It is better in some respects to be admired by those with whom you live, than to be loved by them; and this not on account of any gratification of vanity, but because admiration is so much more tolerant than love.—Arthur Helps.
It is better in some respects to be admired by those with whom you live, than to be loved by them; and this not on account of any gratification of vanity, but because admiration is so much more tolerant than love.
—Arthur Helps.
Sir Arthur Helps, a noted English essayist, historian and miscellaneous writer, was born at Streatham, Surrey, July 11, 1813, and died in London, March 7, 1875. Among his best works are: “Friends in Council,” “Companions of My Solitude,” “Realmah,” “Spanish Conquest in America,” “Casimir Maremma” (a romance), etc.
That man is blessed who every day is permitted to behold anything so pure and serene as the western sky at sunset, while revolutions vex the world.—Henry D. Thoreau.
That man is blessed who every day is permitted to behold anything so pure and serene as the western sky at sunset, while revolutions vex the world.
—Henry D. Thoreau.
Henry David Thoreau, an eminent American writer, was born in Concord, Mass., July 12, 1817, and died there May 6, 1862. His works include: “Familiar Letters,” “Summer,” “Winter,” “Autumn,” “A Week on the Concord and Merrimac Rivers,” “Early Spring in Massachusetts,” “Poems of Nature,” “The Maine Woods,” “A Yankee in Canada,” “Excursions,” “Letters to Various Persons,” and “Cape Cod.”
And what is true of a shopkeeper is true of a shopkeeping nation.Tract (1766),—Tucker(Dean of Gloucester).
And what is true of a shopkeeper is true of a shopkeeping nation.
Tract (1766),—Tucker(Dean of Gloucester).
Josiah Tucker (Dean Tucker), a noted English economist and divine, was born at Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, July 13, 1712, and died November 4, 1799. His “Important Questions on Commerce” (1755), won for him great fame.
Fixed in a white-thorn bush, its summer guest,So low, e’en grass o’er-topped its tallest twig,A sedge-bird built its little bendy nest,Close by the meadow pool and wooden brig.“The Rural Muse. Poems: The Sedge-Bird’s Nest,”—Clare.
Fixed in a white-thorn bush, its summer guest,So low, e’en grass o’er-topped its tallest twig,A sedge-bird built its little bendy nest,Close by the meadow pool and wooden brig.
“The Rural Muse. Poems: The Sedge-Bird’s Nest,”—Clare.
John Clare, a celebrated English poet, was born in Helpstone, near Peterborough, July 13, 1793, and died at Northampton, May 20, 1864. His “Poems, Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery,” won for him great fame.
Busy, curious, thirsty fly,Drink with me, and drink as I.“On a Fly drinking out of a Cup of Ale,”—William Oldys.
Busy, curious, thirsty fly,Drink with me, and drink as I.
“On a Fly drinking out of a Cup of Ale,”—William Oldys.
William Oldys, a distinguished English biographer and antiquary, was born July 14, 1696, and died April 15,1761. He wrote: “The British Librarian,” “The Life of Sir Walter Raleigh,” “The Universal Spectator,” etc.
Rise up, rise up, Xarifa! lay your golden cushion down;Rise up! come to the window, and gaze with all the town.The Bridal of Andalla,—John G. Lockhart.
Rise up, rise up, Xarifa! lay your golden cushion down;Rise up! come to the window, and gaze with all the town.
The Bridal of Andalla,—John G. Lockhart.
John Gibson Lockhart, a renowned Scotch biographer and son-in-law of Walter Scott, was born at Cambusnethan, Lanark, July 14, 1794, and died November 25, 1854. He wrote: “Reginald Dalton,” “Adam Blair,” “Valerius,” “Matthew Wald,” “Life of Robert Burns,” a volume of translations of “Ancient Spanish Ballads,” and his most celebrated work, “Life of Sir Walter Scott.”
But when the sun in all his stateIllumed the eastern skies,She passed through Glory’s morning-gate,And walked in Paradise.“A Death-Bed,”—James Aldrich.
But when the sun in all his stateIllumed the eastern skies,She passed through Glory’s morning-gate,And walked in Paradise.
“A Death-Bed,”—James Aldrich.
James Aldrich, a noted American poet, was born at Mattituck, L. I., July 14, 1810, and died in New York, September 9, 1856. His most celebrated poem, “A Death-Bed,” won for him great fame.
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring,—not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.“A Visit from St. Nicholas,”—Clement Clarke Moore.
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring,—not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
“A Visit from St. Nicholas,”—Clement Clarke Moore.
Clement Clarke Moore, a distinguished American poet and educational writer, was born in New York City, July 15, 1779, and died in Newport, R. I., July 10, 1863. He isbest known by his famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”
“The history of our land will hereafter record the name of John Henry Newman among the greatest of our people, as a confessor for the faith, a great teacher of men, a preacher of justice, of piety, and of compassion.”From Purcell’s “Life of Manning,” Vol. II,—Cardinal Manning.
“The history of our land will hereafter record the name of John Henry Newman among the greatest of our people, as a confessor for the faith, a great teacher of men, a preacher of justice, of piety, and of compassion.”
From Purcell’s “Life of Manning,” Vol. II,—Cardinal Manning.
Henry Edward Cardinal Manning, a famous English Roman Catholic prelate, was born July 15, 1808, at Totteridge in Hertfordshire, and died in London, January 14, 1892. Among his publications are: “Petri Privilegium,” “The True Story of the Vatican Council,” “The Temporal Mission of the Holy Ghost,” “The Catholic Church and Modern Society,” “The Internal Mission of the Holy Ghost,” “England and Christendom,” “Sin and Its Consequences,” etc.
Though all the bards of earth were deadAnd all their music passed away,What Nature wishes should be saidShe’ll find the rightful voice to say.“The Golden Silence,”—William Winter.
Though all the bards of earth were deadAnd all their music passed away,What Nature wishes should be saidShe’ll find the rightful voice to say.
“The Golden Silence,”—William Winter.
William Winter, a distinguished American journalist and dramatic critic, was born at Gloucester, Mass., July 15, 1836, and died in 1917. He has written: “Life of Henry Irving,” “The Wanderers,” “Stage Life of Mary Anderson,” “The Queen’s Domain,” “Life of Edwin Booth,” “The Convent, and Other Poems,” “The Jeffersons,” “English Rambles,” “Life of Ada Rehan,” “Thistle-down,” “Poems,” “Other Days, Being Chronicles and Memories of the Stage,” “Life and Art of Richard Mansfield,” “Vagrant Memories,” etc.
A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts.—Sir Joshua Reynolds.
A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts.
—Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Sir Joshua Reynolds, the great English painter, was born at Plympton Earls, Devonshire, July 16, 1723, and died in London, February 23, 1792. His fifteen addresses delivered at the Royal Academy constitute the well-known “Discourses of Sir Joshua Reynolds.”
Whene’er I take my walks abroad,How many poor I see!What shall I render to my GodFor all his gifts to me?“Divine Songs; Song iv.”—Isaac Watts.
Whene’er I take my walks abroad,How many poor I see!What shall I render to my GodFor all his gifts to me?
“Divine Songs; Song iv.”—Isaac Watts.
Isaac Watts, a celebrated English clergyman and hymn-writer, was born at Southampton, July 17, 1674, and died at Theobalds, Newington, November 25, 1748. He wrote many religious works, among them: “The Improvement of the Mind,” “Logic; or, the Right Use of Reason in the Inquiry after Truth,” and his famous “Psalms and Hymns.”
There is a limit to enjoyment, though the sources of wealth be boundless.And the choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation.“Proverbial Philosophy: Of Compensation,” L. 15,—Tupper.
There is a limit to enjoyment, though the sources of wealth be boundless.And the choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation.
“Proverbial Philosophy: Of Compensation,” L. 15,—Tupper.
Martin Farquhar Tupper, a famous English writer, was born in London, July 17, 1810, and died November 29, 1889. He published: “Geraldine and Other Poems,” “My Life as an Author,” etc. His fame, however, rests on his notable work, “Proverbial Philosophy,” (1838-1867).
Novels are sweets. All people with healthy literary appetites love them: almost all women; a vast number of clever, hard-headed men. Judges, bishops, chancellors, mathematicians, are notoriousnovel-readers, as well as young boys and girls, and their kind, tender mothers.—Thackeray.
Novels are sweets. All people with healthy literary appetites love them: almost all women; a vast number of clever, hard-headed men. Judges, bishops, chancellors, mathematicians, are notoriousnovel-readers, as well as young boys and girls, and their kind, tender mothers.
—Thackeray.
William Makepeace Thackeray, the renowned English novelist, was born in Calcutta, India, July 18, 1811, and died December 24, 1863. Among his celebrated works are: “Irish Sketch-Book,” “The Book of Snobs,” “Barry Lyndon,” “Comic Tales and Sketches,” “A Shabby-Genteel Story,” “Men’s Wives,” “Our Street,” “Mrs. Perkins’s Ball,” “English Humorists of the Eighteenth Century,” “Dr. Birch and His Young Friends,” “Vanity Fair,” “The History of Pendennis,” “The History of Henry Esmond,” “The Newcomes,” “The Four Georges,” “The Rose and the Ring,” “The Virginians,” “The Adventures of Philip,” etc.