Sydney Thompson Dobell Quotes

#1. The secret of pleasure in life, as distinct from its great triumphs of transcendent joy, is to live in a series of small, legitimate successes. By legitimate I mean such as are not accompanied by self-condemnation.

Sydney Thompson Dobell

#2. Sister Simplicitie!
Sing, sing a song to me,
Sing me to sleep!
Some legend low and long,
Slow as the summer song
Of the dull Deep.

Sydney Thompson Dobell

#3. Stern duties need not speak sternly. He who stood firm before the thunder worshipped the still small voice.

Sydney Thompson Dobell

#4. Unsuccessful emulation is too apt to sink into envy, which of all sins has not even the excuse to offer of temporary gratification.

Sydney Thompson Dobell

#5. It often requires more strength and judgment to resist than to embrace an opportunity. It is better to do nothing than to do other than well.

Sydney Thompson Dobell

#6. It is a zealot's faith that blasts the shrines of the false god, but builds no temple to the true.

Sydney Thompson Dobell

#7. He who, being bold
For life to come, is false to the past sweet
Of mortal life, hath killed the world above.
For why to live again if not to meet?
And why to meet if not to meet in love?
And why in love if not in that dear love of old?

Sydney Thompson Dobell