Washington Irving Quotes

American writer, historian and diplomat (1783-1859)

Washington Irving (3 April 1783 – 28 November 1859) was an American short story writer, essayist, biographer, historian, and diplomat of the early 19th century.

From: Wikiquote (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Pen Names: Diedrich Knickerbocker • Geoffrey Crayon • Launcelot Langstaff

Alternative Names: Lauuncelot Langstaff

From Wikidata (CC0)

The almighty dollar, that great object of universal devotion throughout our land, seems to have no genuine devotees in these peculiar villages; and unless some of its missionaries penetrate there, and erect banking houses and other pious shrines, there is no knowing how long the inhabitants may remain in their present state of contented poverty.

There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in travelling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one’s position, and be bruised in a new place.

I am always at a loss to know how much to believe of my own stories.

I endeavor to take things as they come with cheerfulness, and when I cannot get a dinner to suit my taste, I endeavor to get a taste to suit my dinner.

There is a little valley or rather a lap of land among the high hills, which is one the quietest places in the world. A small brook glides through it, with just murmur enough to lull one to repose…… If I ever should wish for a retreat, whither I might steal from the world and its distractions, and dream quietly away the remnant of a troubled life, I know of non more promising than this little valley....

A pleasing land of drowsy head it was, Of dreams that wave before the half-shut eye; And of gay castles in the clouds that pass, Forever flushing round a summer sky. — CASTLE OF INDOLENCE.