But woman's is comparatively a fixed, a secluded and a meditative life. She is more the companion of her own thoughts and feelings; and if they are turned to ministers of sorrow, where shall she look for consolation? Her lot is to be wooed and won; and if unhappy in her love, her heart is her world--is like some fortress that has been captured, and sacked, and abandoned, and left desolate. Shall I confess it?--I believe in broken hearts, and the possibility of dying of disappointed love! I do not, however, consider it a malady often fatal to my own sex; but I firmly believe that it withers down many a lovely woman into an early grave. So is it the nature of woman to hide from the world the pangs of wounded affection. --_Washington Irving._ 1164 To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence. 1165 WHAT! Since there's no help for me, come, let us kiss and part-- Alas! I am done, you see no more of me; But I am sorry, yea, sorry with all my heart, That thus, you have willed it,--to be free: Shake hands forever, cancel all our vows, And when we meet at any time again, Be it not seen in either of our brows That we one jot of former love retain. --_Anonymous._ 1166 Dr. Doddridge one day asked his little daughter how it was that everybody loved her: "I know not," said she, "unless it be that I love everybody." --_Arvine._ 1167 He who is loved by man is loved by God. --_The Talmud._ 1168 If there's delight in love, 'tis when I see That heart which others bleed for, bleed for me. --_Garrick._ 1169 Love is the only passion that justifies a perpetual hyperbole, i. e., poetic exaggeration. --_Bacon._ 1170 There is an atmosphere in the letters of those we love which we alone--we who love--can feel. 1171 LIFE WITHOUT LOVE. Life without love is like day without sunshine, Roses bereft of sweet nature's perfume; Love is the guide mark to those who are weary Of waiting and watching in darkness and gloom. Love to the heart is like dewdrops to violets Left on the dust-ridden roadside to die; Love leads the way to our highest endeavors, Lightens and lessens the pain of each sigh. Life without love is like spring without flowers, Brook-streams that move not, or star-bereft sky; Love creates efforts most worthy and noble, Prompts us to live and resigns us to die. --_Unknown._ 1172 LOVE. The night has a thousand eyes, And the day but one; Yet the light of the whole world dies With the setting sun.