It takes time for the absent to assume their true shape in our thoughts. After death they take on a read more

It takes time for the absent to assume their true shape in our thoughts. After death they take on a firmer outline and then cease to change.

And wisest he in this whole wide land
Of hoarding till bent and gray;
For all you read more

And wisest he in this whole wide land
Of hoarding till bent and gray;
For all you can hold in your cold, dead hand
Is what you have given away.
. . . .
He gave with a zest and he gave his best;
Give him the best to come.

Wives in their husbands' absences grow subtler,
And daughters sometimes run off with the butler.

Wives in their husbands' absences grow subtler,
And daughters sometimes run off with the butler.

Rare gift! but oh, what gift to fools avails!

Rare gift! but oh, what gift to fools avails!

A woman's mind is affected by the meanest gifts.
[Lat., Parvis mobilis rebus animus muliebris.]

A woman's mind is affected by the meanest gifts.
[Lat., Parvis mobilis rebus animus muliebris.]

I dote on his very absence.

I dote on his very absence.

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.

I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself

I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself

If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for read more

If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.