"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing". "Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them". "Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow". ...

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I went to the Garden of Love, And saw what I never had seen: A Chapel was built in the midst, Where I used to play on the green. And the gates of this Chapel were shut, And "Thou shalt not" writ over the door; So I turned to the Garden of Love, That so many sweet flowers bore; And I saw it was filled with graves, And tombstones where flowers should be; And Priests in black gowns were walking their rounds, And binding with briers my joys and desires. ...

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Awake, awake my little Boy! Thou wast thy Mother's only joy: Why dost thou weep in thy gentle sleep? Awake! thy Father does thee keep. "O, what land is the Land of Dreams? What are its mountains, and what are its streams? O Father, I saw my Mother there, Among the lillies by waters fair. Among the lambs clothed in white She walked with her Thomas in sweet delight. I wept for joy, like a dove I mourn - O when shall I return again?" Dear child, I also by pleasant streams Have ...

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