North and South Quotes

“I do not know whether I am brave or not till I am tried...”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

“And yet day by day had, of itself, and by itself, been very endurable--small, keen, bright little spots of enjoyment having come sparkling into the very middle of sorrows.”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

“If we do not reverence the past as you do in Oxford, it is because we want something which can apply to the present more directly. It is fine when the study of the past leads to a prophecy of the future. But to men groping in new circumstances, it would be finer if the words of experience [from history] could direct us how to act in what concerns us most intimately and immediately; which is full of difficulties that must be encountered; and upon the mode in which they are met and conquered—not merely pushed aside for the time—depends our future. Out of the wisdom of the past, help us over the present. But no! People can speak of Utopia much more easily than of the next day’s duty; and yet when that duty is all done by others, who so ready to cry, ‘Fie, for shame!”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

“Learn to win a lady's faith Nobly, as the thing is high; Bravely, as for life and death— With a loyal gravity.
Lead her from the festive boards, Point her to the starry skies, Guard her, by your truthful words, Pure from courtship's flatteries.' MRS. BROWNING.
“my own case it is no good luck, nor merit, nor talent,—but simply the habits of life which taught me to despise indulgences not thoroughly earned...”
'There's iron, they say, in all our blood, And a grain or two perhaps is good; But his, he makes me harshly feel, Has got a little too much of steel.' ANON.
‘I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And to wipe the weeping eyes; And a heart at leisure from itself To soothe and sympathise.' ANON.”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

“I say, leave a’ this talk about religion alone, and set to work on what yo’ see and know”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

“He dreaded lest he should go forwards to meet her, with his arms held out in mute entreaty that she would come and nestle there, as she had done, all unheeded, the day before, but never unheeded again...She might droop, and flush, and flutter to his arms, as to her natural home and resting-place.”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

“Dear Margaret, if he would like to accompany you and Aunt Hale, we will try and make it pleasant, though I'm rather afraid of any one who has done something for conscience sake.”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South

“That is all very fine in theory, that plan of forgetting whatever is painful, but it will be somewhat difficult for me, at least, to carry it into execution.”
― Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South