When a fit of intellectual disgust comes over me, I will tell you what I have found admirable as a diversion, in addition to boating and other amusements which I have spoken of,--that is, working at my carpenter's-bench.

Some mechanical employment is the greatest possible relief, after the purely intellectual faculties begin to tire.

When I was quarantined once at Marseilles, I got to work immediately at carving a wooden wonder of loose rings on a stick, and got so interested in it, that when we were set loose, I "regained my freedom with a sigh," because my toy was unfinished.
There are long seasons when I talk only with the Professor, and others when I give myself wholly up to the Poet.

Now that my winter's work is over and spring is with us, I feel naturally drawn to the Poet's company.

I don't know anybody more alive to life than he is.