There are times when even the most potent governor must wink at transgression, in order to preserve the laws inviolate for the future.

Quote by Herman Melville

Topics: Herman Melville Quotes

There is one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea, whose gently awful stirrings...

There is one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea, whose gently awful stirrings...

The march of conquest through wild provinces, may be the march of Mind; but not...

The march of conquest through wild provinces, may be the march of Mind; but not...

He pressed his forehead against mine, clasped me round the waist, and said that henceforth...

He pressed his forehead against mine, clasped me round the waist, and said that henceforth...

So philosophers so throughly comprehend us as horses.

So philosophers so throughly comprehend us as horses.

Truth is in things, and not in words.

Truth is in things, and not in words.

At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect.

At sea a fellow comes out. Salt water is like wine, in that respect.

Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, - for it is...

Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, - for it is...

There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life...

There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life...

Toil is man's allotment; toil of brain, or toil of hands, or a grief that's...

Toil is man's allotment; toil of brain, or toil of hands, or a grief that's...

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities

For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into words...

For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into words...

Who in the rainbow can draw the line where the violet tint ends and the...

Who in the rainbow can draw the line where the violet tint ends and the...

We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads,...

We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads,...

Friendship at first sight, like love at first sight is said to be the only...

Friendship at first sight, like love at first sight is said to be the only...

I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.

I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge.

Let America first praise mediocrity even, in her children, before she praises... the best excellence...

Let America first praise mediocrity even, in her children, before she praises... the best excellence...

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For...

To the last, I grapple with thee; From Hell's heart, I stab at thee; For...

There is no quality in this world that is not what it is merely by...

There is no quality in this world that is not what it is merely by...

Know, thou, that the lines that live are turned out of a furrowed brow.

Know, thou, that the lines that live are turned out of a furrowed brow.

Whatever fortune brings, don't be afraid of doing things.

Whatever fortune brings, don't be afraid of doing things.