The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for
want of wonder.

The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for
want of wonder.

Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
read more

Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
The things, we know, are neither rich nor rare,
But wonder how the devil they got there.

If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical read more

If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical illusion--well, he will
find out he is wrong. The tiger will himself intervene in the
discussion, in a manner which will be in every sense conclusive.

This wonder lasted nine daies.

This wonder lasted nine daies.

Wonders I sing; the sun has set; no night has followed.
[Lat., Mira cano; sol occubuit;
Nox read more

Wonders I sing; the sun has set; no night has followed.
[Lat., Mira cano; sol occubuit;
Nox nulla secuta est.]

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing read more

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing common faith, transgressing nature's law.

Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer's cloud
Without our special wonder?

Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer's cloud
Without our special wonder?

O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!

O day and night, but this is wondrous strange!

He shall have chariots easier than air,
That I will have invented; . . . And thyself,
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He shall have chariots easier than air,
That I will have invented; . . . And thyself,
That art the messenger, shalt ride before him
On a horse cut out of an entire diamond.
That shall be made to go with golden wheels,
I know not how yet.