When religion doth with virtue join, it makes a hero like an angel shine.

The lark that shuns on lofty boughs to build, Her humble nest, lies silent in the field.

Tea does our fancy aid, Repress those vapours which the head invade And keeps that palace of the soul serene.

Vexed sailors cursed the rain, for which poor shepherds prayed in vain.

Illustrious acts high raptures do infuse, And every conqueror creates a muse.

The rising sun complies with our weak sight, First gilds the clouds, then shows his globe of light At such a distance from our eyes, as though He knew what harm his hasty beams would do.

Could we forbear dispute, and practise love, We should agree as angels do above.

Stronger by weakness, wiser men become.

To love is to believe, to hope, to know; 'Tis an essay, a taste of Heaven below!

All things but one you can restore; the heart you get returns no more.

Poets lose half the praise they should have got, Could it be known what they discreetly blot.

Writing fiction is the act of weaving a series of lies to arrive at a greater truth.

It is surprising how many great men started out as horse thieves.

The novel and the film of 'The Color Purple' are both works of the imagination that make claim to historical truth.

I was able to truly immerse myself in the record-making process. I'm excited about music.

Just once I’d like to meet a fella who isn’t a phony. Somebody who doesn’t wanna buy me a fur so he can show me off to his boys.

I try to attach myself to things around me so that they don't slip away.

After Luis Suarez of Uruguay bit an Italian opponent in the shoulder, two things happened. Suarez was thrown out of the rest of the tournament, and the player he bit turned Uruguayan.

Does one require proof of one's own being? Only remain aware of yourself and all else will be known.

Before 'Mad Men,' I definitely had very dry spells and I know what those feel like, and I don't think that ever leaves you as an actor.

To be authentic is to be at peace with your imperfections.