10 Quotes by John Townsend Trowbridge

Not in rewards, but in the strength to strive, the blessing lies.

With years a richer life begins, the spirit mellow: ripe age gives tones to violins, wine, and good fellows.

The tears of the young who go their way, last a day; But the grief is long of the old who stay.

Men are polished, through act and speech, Each by each, As pebbles are smoothed on the rolling beach.

A flower more sacred than far-seen success Perfumes my solitary path; I find Sweet compensation in my humbleness, And reap the harvest of a quiet mind.

If you will observe, it doesn’t take A man of giant mould to make A giant shadow on the wall; And he who in our daily sight Seems but a figure mean and small, Outlined in Fame’s illusive light, May stalk, a silhouette sublime, Across the canvas of his time.

I keep some portion of my early gleam; Brokenly bright, like moonbeams on a river, It lights my life, a far illusive dream, Moves as I move, and leads me on forever.

Of nothing comes nothing: springs rise not above Their source in the far-hidden heart of the mountains: Whence then have descended the Wisdom and Love That in man leap to light in intelligent fountains?

For me the diamond dawns are set In rings of beauty...