John Hay Quotations

It would never occur to most of us that 'plants' say anything at all, except in terms of what we read into them, or try to use them for. Yet in their responses to this wonderfully rhythmic and varying earth they are the most expressive of all forms of life.

True luck consists not in holding the best of the cards at the table; luckiest is he who knows just when to rise and go home.

Break not the rose; its fragrance and beauty are surely sufficient, resting contented with these, never a thorn shall you feel.

The best loved man or maid in the town would perish with anguish Could they hear all that their friends say in the course of a day.

What is first love worth, except to prepare for a second? What does second love bring? Only regret for the first.

The use of proverbs is characteristic of an unlettered people. They are invaluable treasures to dunces with good memories.

I think that saving a little child And bringing him to his own, Is a derned sight better business Than loafing around the throne.

Unto each man comes a day when his favorite sins all forsake him, And he complacently thinks he has forsaken his sins.

Maidens! why should you worry in choosing whom you shall marry? Choose whom you may, you will find you have got somebody else.

There are three species of creatures who when they seem coming are going, when they seem going they come: diplomats, women, and crabs.