Nathaniel Parker Willis

Gratitude is not only the memory but the homage of the heart rendered to God for his goodness.

The innocence that feels no risk and is taught no caution, is more vulnerable than guilt, and oftener assailed.

The lily and the rose in her fair face striving for precedence.

While writing books about the past, I think about the present. It's not intentional, but somehow my books end up being written under the sign of a political mood.

I don't make much distinction between being a stand-up comic and acting Shakespeare - in fact, unless you're a good comedian, you're never going to be able to play Hamlet properly.

What people don't understand about Sarah Palin is that she is a rancher's wife. From Alberta down to Texas I've known women like that: good common sense, bright and vilified by city people.