"Surely happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven; and every countenance bright with smiles, and glowing with innocent enjoyment, is a mirror transmitting to others the rays of a supreme and ever shining benevolence. He who can turn churlishly away from contemplating the felicity of his fellow beings, and can sit down darkling and repining in his loneliness when all around is joyful ... wants the genial and social sympathies which constitute the charm of a merry Christmas."
- Washington Irving, from The Sketch Book
Blessed New Year, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteKrissu! I wish you the same! xo
DeleteAh now, having heard of Washington Irvine, I know nothing of him. So while you delve into Yeats, I must find this Sketchbook!
ReplyDeleteThere - it's a swap! :)
DeleteI have enjoyed these quotes, Lisa. They reminded me that I had a lovely 1924 edition of Christmas at Bracebridge Hall by Washington Irving somewhere which I have now found again.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Clare. Glad to be of service. ;)
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