“Whatever little cunning of hand or head I took to it, or acquired in it, I have so retained as that I fully believe I could resume it to-morrow, very little the worse from long disuse.”

Expressing pride in professional skills retained over decades · Speech, London, 20 May 1865

• Art
• Memory

“If these innocent creatures cannot move you for themselves, how can I possibly hope to move you in their name?”

Appealing directly to compassion for vulnerable children · Speech, Hospital for Sick Children, London, 9 February 1858

• Childhood
• Hope

“But it is my consolation that the spirit of the bright faces, the quick perception, the ready response, the generous and the cheering sounds that have made this place delightful to me, will remain.”

Finding consolation in memories that outlast departure · Farewell speech, Boston, 8 April 1868

• Friendship
• Memory