Is there some principal of nature which states that we never know the quality of what we have until it is gone? – Herman Melville
Hope is the struggle of the soul, breaking loose from what is perishable, and attesting her eternity. – Herman Melville
In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without passport whereas Virtue, if a pauper, is stopped at all frontiers. – Herman Melville
There are times when even the most potent governor must wink at transgression, in order to preserve the laws inviolate for the future. – Herman Melville