John Morley

But I am thoroughly content with my retirement; and I cast no longing, lingering look behind.

There is plenty of work before me, peaceful work and work directed to the supreme, i.e. the spiritual cultivation of mankind, if it pleases God to give me time and vision to perform it.

On the other hand, the cause of the South was so connected with slavery that a strong counter-current of feeling must arise in the mind.

Then again, it is impossible for any Englishman not to have a very strong feeling of sympathy with those in the North who saw exalted visions of the great future of their country, now threatened with destruction.

He had never agreed with those who thought it a matter of high British interest that the old American union should be torn in pieces.

He insisted once more that the public opinion of this country was unanimous that the restoration of the American union by force was unattainable.

True friendships are hard to find among men who busy themselves about politics and office.

It is penetrating in analysis, admirable in diction, rich in experience of life and human nature, and truly inspiring in those noble moralities that are the lifeblood of style, and of greater things than mere style can ever be.

Let me not, however, seem to complain, for never, I believe, was any one blessed so entirely beyond his deserts in the especial and capital article of friendships.

All was beautiful, simple, noble, touching to the very last degree.

Kind words soothe, but nothing can lessen or alleviate the weight of sorrow she has to bear.

My praise will be impartial: for he did not fascinate, or command, or attract me through any medium but that of judgment and conscience.

By dint of what, after all, might be called threat of resignation, I have got the navy estimates a little down, and I am now in the battle about the army.

Never on any single occasion since this government was formed has his voice been raised in the cabinet for economy.

The article in the Quarterly is clever; and what it says, moreover, on the merits of the income-tax is true.

Dec. 29.—The strangest feeling of all in me is a rebellion (I know not what else to call it) against growing old.

It was one of the most touching, I think the most touching, scene I ever witnessed, when the six daughters weeping profusely knelt around the grave, and amidst their sobs and tears just faltered out the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer in…

On the whole, I must say I can wish no more for any family, than that when the stroke of bereavement comes, they meet it as it has been met here.

He is much older than when I saw him last, but still has pith and life in him, as well as that astonishing freshness of mind which gives him a charm in its way quite unrivalled.

It is a thoroughly refined piece of acting, such as we hardly ever see in England; and it combines with refinement intense fun.

I told her that she would not give way, that duty would sustain her (this she quite recognised), that her burden was altogether peculiar, but the honour was in proportion, that no one could wonder at her feeling the present, which is near…

Inwardly I feel it to be open to this general observation: it seems to have been and to be a series of efforts to be and to do what is beyond my natural force.

Her love of truth and wish to do right prevent all prejudices from effectually warping her.

There are in Europe two great questions: the question called social and the question of nationalities....

I would use my best endeavours to make these States independent in matters of administration.