George Borrow (1803 – 1881)
Eccentric English travel-writer, novelist, memoirist and translator, known especially for his sympathetic portrayal of his friends among the Romany people.
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I have always been a friend to hero-worship; it is the only rational one, and has always been in use amongst civilized people.
The author of Amelia, the most singular genius which their island ever produced, whose works it has long been the fashion to abuse in public and to read in secret.
Smoking has a sedative effect upon the nerves, and enables a man to bear the sorrows of this life (of which every one has his share) not only decently, but dignifiedly.
There is a peculiarity in the countenance, as everybody knows, which, though it cannot be described, is sure to betray the Englishman.
There's the wind on the heath, brother; if I could only feel that, I would gladly live for ever.
If you must commit suicide – and there is no knowing to what people may be brought – always contrive to do it as decorously as possible; the decencies, whether of life or of death, should never be lost sight of.
There's night and day, brother, both sweet things; sun, moon, and stars, brother, all sweet things; there's likewise a wind on the heath. Life is very sweet, brother; who would wish to die?
He is not deserving of the name of Englishman who speaketh against ale, that is, good ale.
There are no countries in the world less known by the British than these selfsame British Islands, or where more strange things are every day occurring.
Sherry...a silly, sickly compound, the use of which will transform a nation, however bold and warlike by nature, into a race of sketchers, scribblers, and punsters, in fact into what Englishmen are at the present day.
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