It is singular how soon we lose the impression of what ceases to be constantly before us. A year impairs, read more

It is singular how soon we lose the impression of what ceases to be constantly before us. A year impairs, a luster obliterates. There is little distinct left without an effort of memory, then indeed the lights are rekindled for a moment -- but who can be sure that the Imagination is not the torch-bearer?

But woe to him, who left to moan,
Reviews the hours of brightness gone.

But woe to him, who left to moan,
Reviews the hours of brightness gone.

Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.

Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.

A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.

A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.

Memory is not wisdom; idiots can by rote repeat volumes. Yet what is wisdom without memory?

Memory is not wisdom; idiots can by rote repeat volumes. Yet what is wisdom without memory?

Many a man fails as an original thinker simply because his memory it too good.

Many a man fails as an original thinker simply because his memory it too good.

The leaves of memory seemed to make A mournful rustling in the dark.

The leaves of memory seemed to make A mournful rustling in the dark.

Tell me the tales that to me were so dear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago.

Tell me the tales that to me were so dear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago.

To be remembered after we are dead, is but poor recompense for being treated with contempt while we are living.

To be remembered after we are dead, is but poor recompense for being treated with contempt while we are living.