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

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities

To be hated cordially, is only a left-handed compliment.

To be hated cordially, is only a left-handed compliment.

Heaven have mercy on us all - Presbyterians and Pagans alike - for we are...

Heaven have mercy on us all - Presbyterians and Pagans alike - for we are...

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...

Some dying men are the most tyrannical; and certainly, since they will shortly trouble us...

Some dying men are the most tyrannical; and certainly, since they will shortly trouble us...

We may have civilized bodies and yet barbarous souls. We are blind to the real...

We may have civilized bodies and yet barbarous souls. We are blind to the real...

He who has never failed somewhere, that man can not be great.

He who has never failed somewhere, that man can not be great.

There are some persons in this world, who, unable to give better proof of being...

There are some persons in this world, who, unable to give better proof of being...

It is not down in any map; true places never are.

It is not down in any map; true places never are.

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men;...

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men;...

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...

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.

Do not presume, well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed, to criticize the poor

Do not presume, well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed, to criticize the poor

There is something wrong about the man who wants help. There is somewhere a deep...

There is something wrong about the man who wants help. There is somewhere a deep...

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.

A smile is the chosen vehicle of all ambiguities.

A whale ship was my Yale College and my Harvard.

A whale ship was my Yale College and my Harvard.

Is there some principal of nature which states that we never know the quality of...

Is there some principal of nature which states that we never know the quality of...

Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges.

Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges.

To be called one thing, is oftentimes to be another.

To be called one thing, is oftentimes to be another.