“Now envy and antipathy, passions irreconcilable in reason, nevertheless in fact may spring conjoined like Chang and Eng in one birth. Is Envy then such a monster? Well, though many an arraigned mortal has in hopes of mitigated penalty pleaded guilty to horrible actions, did anybody ever seriously confess to envy? Something there is in it universally felt to be more shameful than even felonious crime. And not only does everybody disown it, but the better sort are inclined to incredulity when it is in earnest imputed to an intelligent man. But since it's lodgement is in the heart and not the brain, no degree of intellect supplies a guarantee against it.”
Herman Melville“And the drawing near of Death, which alike levels all, alike impresses all with a last revelation, which only an author from the dead could adequately tell.”
Herman Melville“and yet a child’s utter innocence is but its blank ignorance, and the innocence more or less wanes as intelligence waxes.”
Herman Melville, Billy Budd, Sailor“...flight from tyranny does not of itself insure a safe asylum, far less a happy home.”
Herman Melville, The Encantadas or Enchanted Isles: By Herman Melville - Illustrated“Often ill comes from the good, as good from ill.”
Herman Melville, The Encantadas or Enchanted Isles: By Herman Melville - Illustrated“There are times when even the most potent governor must wink at transgression, in order to preserve the laws inviolate for the future.”
Herman Melville“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”
Herman Melville“In this world, shipmates, sin that pays its way can travel freely, and without passport; whereas Virtue, if a pauper, is stopped at all frontiers.”
Herman Melville