“While as yet we are young—while we are unhackneyed in the sodden ways of this world—our souls dwell in our eyes, and beauty is our only loadstar.”

Evoking youthful openness to beauty before experience hardens perception · Essay, A Sixty-Drop Dose of Laudanum, Drop 30

• Beauty
• Childhood
• Hope

“The grave is vital to the renown of those great men who had none during life.”

Observing that posthumous fame often begins where earthly recognition ends · Essay, A Sixty-Drop Dose of Laudanum, Drop 47

• Death
• Fame
• Mortality

“Hurricanes are most inclined to prostrate mud hovels: they can only rage impotently around the pyramid whose apex kisses heaven.”

Using a vivid image to contrast fragile and steadfast character · Essay, A Sixty-Drop Dose of Laudanum, Drop 18

• Hope
• Strength