Quotes by Charles Washington Coleman

“Around the narrow circuit of the room Breast-high the books I love range file on file; And when, day-weary, I would rest awhile, As once again slow falls the gathering gloom Upon the world, I love to pass my hand Along their serried ranks, and silent stand In breathless heark'ning to their silent speech. With rev'rent hand I touch the back of each Of these my books. How much of their dear selves— The hand that held the pen, the brain that wrought The subtle fancies on these pages caught— Have men immortal left upon my shelves!”

“Who gave their lives for these can know no death. For I have walked with them in mortal guise Through woodland ways and swarming city streets; Yea, have I met the gaze of Shelley's eyes, And in 'Hyperion' kissed the lips of Keats.”