Quotes from Washington Irving

The very difference of character in marriage produces a harmonious combination.

Man passes away; his name perishes from record and recollection; his history is as a tale that is told, and his very monument becomes a ruin.

Those men are most apt to be obsequious and conciliating abroad, who are under the discipline of shrews at home.

It is not poverty so much as pretense that harasses a ruined man.

It is not poverty so much as pretense that harasses a ruined man - the struggle between a proud mind and an empty purse - the keeping up of a hollow show that must soon come to an end.

In civilized life, where the happiness, and indeed almost the existence, of man depends so much upon the opinion of his fellow men, he is constantly acting a studied part.

Young lawyers attend the courts, not because they have business there, but because they have no business.

Rising genius always shoots out its rays from among the clouds, but these will gradually roll away and disappear as it ascends to its steady luster.

I must confess I did not always relish his misquotations, which sometimes made absolute nonsense of the passages; but what author stands upon trifles when he is praised?

There is an endearing tenderness in the love of a mother to a son that transcends all other affections of the heart.

The tongue is the only tool that gets sharper with use.

A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use.

A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.

Temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.

There is never jealousy where there is not strong regard.

Christmas is here, Merry old Christmas, Gift-bearing Christmas, Day of grand memories, King of the year!

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.

The land of literature is a fairy land to those who view it at a distance, but, like all other landscapes, the charm fades on a nearer approach, and the thorns and briars become visible.

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.

Every desire bears its death in its very gratification. Curiosity languishes under repeated stimulants, and novelties cease to excite and surprise, until at length we cannot wonder even at a miracle.

Over no nation does the press hold a more absolute control than over the people of America, for the universal education of the poorest classes makes every individual a reader.

I've had it with you and your emotional constipation!

There is a healthful hardiness about real dignity that never dreads contact and communion with others however humble.

They who drink beer will think beer.