Poetry, indeed, cannot be translated; and, therefore, it is the poets
that preserve the languages; for we would not be at the trouble to learn
a language if we could have all that is written in it just as well in a
translation. But as the beauties of poetry cannot be preserved in any
language except that in which it was originally written, we learn the
language.--_Johnson._
Language most shows a man; speak that I may see thee: it springs out of
the most retired and inmost part of us.--_Ben Jonson._
If the way in which men express their thoughts is slipshod and mean, it
will be very difficult for their thoughts themselves to escape being the
same. If it is high flown and bombastic, a character for national
simplicity and thankfulness cannot long be maintained.--_Dean Alford._
~Laughter.~--Conversation never sits easier than when we now and then
discharge ourselves in a symphony of laughter; which may not improperly
be called the chorus of conversation.--_Steele._