200 Quotes by Henry Van Dyke

It is better to follow even the shadow of the best, than to remain content with the worst.

The lintel low enough to keep out pomp and pride; The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside; The doorband strong enough from robbers to defend; This door will open at a touch to welcome every friend.

You never see the stock called Happiness quoted on the exchange.

Flowers rejoice when night is done, Lift their heads to greet the sun; Sweetest looks and odours raise, In a silent hymn of praise.

The birth of Jesus is the sunrise in the Bible.

The more keenly we are awake to the perils of life, the higher and grander is the possibility of being truly brave.

These are the things I prize And hold of dearest worth: Light of the sapphire skies, Peace of the silent hills, Shelter of the forests, comfort of the grass, Music of birds, murmur of little rills, Shadows of cloud that swiftly pass, And, after showers, The smell of flowers And of the good brown earth,- And best of all, along the way, friendship and mirth.

Come, my friend, forget your foes, and leave your fears behind, And wander forth to try your luck, with cheerful, quiet mind; For be your fortune great or small, you take what God will give, And all the day your heart will say, "'Tis luck enough to live.

Heaven is blessed with perfect rest but the blessing of earth is toil.