272 Quotes by Washington Irving

The land of literature is a fairy land to those who view it at a distance, but, like all other landscapes, the charm fades on a nearer approach, and the thorns and briars become visible.

Villainy wears many masks; none so dangerous as the mask of virtue.

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.

Every antique farm-house and moss-grown cottage is a picture.

The sorrow for the dead is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced. Every other wound we seek to heal - every other affliction to forget: but this wound we consider it a duty to keep open - this affliction we cherish and brood over in solitude.

The Indians with surprise found the mouldering trees of their forests suddenly teeming with ambrosial sweet; and nothing, I am told, can exceed the greedy relish with which they banquet for the first time upon this unbought luxury of the wilderness.

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others however humble.

Some minds seem almost to create themselves, springing up under every disadvantage and working their solitary but irresistible way through a thousand obstacles.

A woman is more considerate in affairs of love than a man; because love is more the study and business of her life.