The scholar only knows how dear these silent, yet eloquent, companions of pure thoughts and innocent hours become in the season of adversity. When all that is worldly turns to dross around us, these only retain their steady value. – Washington Irving
The tie which links mother and child is of such pure and immaculate strength as to be never violated. – Washington Irving
The natural principle of war is to do the most harm to our enemy with the least harm to ourselves and this of course is to be effected by stratagem. – Washington Irving
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love. – Washington Irving