I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and read more

I can call nothing by name if that is not his name. I call a cat
a cat, and Rollet a rogue.
[Fr., Je ne puis rien nommer si ce n'est par son nom;
J'appelle un chat un chat, et Rollet un fripon.]

I was learning the importance of names -- having them, making them -- but at the same time I sensed read more

I was learning the importance of names -- having them, making them -- but at the same time I sensed the dangers. Recognition was followed by oblivion, a yawning maw whose victims disappeared without a trace.

You should never name an animal which is not yours to keep, or which you intend to eat.

You should never name an animal which is not yours to keep, or which you intend to eat.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.

Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name.

"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
read more

"Whose name was writ in water!" What large laughter
Among the immortals when that word was brought!
Then when his fiery spirit rose flaming after,
High toward the topmost heaven of heavens up-caught!
"All hail! our younger brother!" Shakespeare said,
And Dante nodded his imperial head.

If the fairest features of the landscape are to be named after men, let them be the noblest and worthiest read more

If the fairest features of the landscape are to be named after men, let them be the noblest and worthiest men alone.

The dodgerest of all the dodgers.

The dodgerest of all the dodgers.

Some to the fascination of a name,
Surrender judgment hoodwinked.

Some to the fascination of a name,
Surrender judgment hoodwinked.

I have a passion for the name of "Mary,"
For once it was a magic sound to me,
read more

I have a passion for the name of "Mary,"
For once it was a magic sound to me,
And still it half calls up the realms of fairy,
Where I beheld what never was to be.