“There is an Irish way of paying compliments as though they were irresistible truths which makes what otherwise would be an impertinence, delightful.”

Observing a distinctive national habit of generous speech · Prose writings

• Courtesy
• Ireland
• Speech

“I am not especially proud of this facility of mine. It has produced a good deal of honest work, with of course, a good deal of necessary pot-boiling, and it has made some few people happy besides myself.”

Modest reflection on a long career of prolific writing · Reminiscences

• Humility
• Work
• Writing