Will Carleton Quotes
1845–1912 United States
William McKendree Carleton (October 21, 1845 – December 18, 1912) was an American poet, who wrote mostly about rural life.
- United States
- 19th-century poets
- Journalists
Also known as: Carleton, Will
Random Will Carleton quote
15 quotes
There's lots of people—this town wouldn't hold them;
Who don't know much excepting what's told them.
To appreciate heaven well
'Tis good for a man to have some fifteen minutes of hell.
Things at home are crossways, and Betsy and I are out.
In danger, mind you, a woman behind you
Can turn your blood to fire.
Not a log in this buildin' but its memories has got
And not a nail in this old floor but touches a tender spot.
Over the hill to the poor-house I'm trudgin' my weary way.
Not all the labor of the earth
Is done by hardened hands.
The more we arg'ed the question the more we didn't agree.
Betsy, like all good women, had a temper of her own.
I have talked with Betsy, and Betsy has talked with me,
And so we've agreed together that we can't never agree.
I don't complain of Betsy or any of her acts,
Exceptin' when we 've quarreled and told each other facts.
Thanksgiving-day, I fear,
If one the solemn truth must touch,
Is celebrated, not so much
To thank the Lord for blessings o'er,
As for the sake of getting more!
But I have learned a thing or two; I know as sure as fate,
When we lock up our lives for wealth, the gold key comes too late.
The editor sat in his sanctum, his countenance furrowed with care,
His mind at the bottom of business, his feet at the top of a chair,
His chair-arm an elbow supporting, his right hand upholding his head,
His eyes on his dusty old table, with different documents spread.
Fare you well, old house! you're naught that can feel or see,
But you seem like a human bein'—a dear old friend to me;
And we never will have a better home, if my opinion stands,
Until we commence a-keepin' house in the house not made with hands.