Ridgely Torrence Quotes

“I saw them kissing in the shade and knew the sum of all my lore: God gave them Youth, God gave them Love, and even God can give no more.”

— Ridgely Torrence

“At first, she loved nought else but flowers,
And then-she only loved the rose;
And then-herself alone; and then-
She knew not what, but now-she knows.”

— Ridgely Torrence

Though man or angel judge my life and read it like an open scroll, And weigh my heart, I have judge more just than any-my own soul.

— Ridgely Torrence

“Sometimes I think that all mankind exist but to be bought and sold: The rich man's paramour is gold, the poor man's goddess, gold, gold, gold.”

— Ridgely Torrence

“The Song of Love, the Song of Hate, the Songs of Praise and of Thanksgiving; I've learned them all, but there remains one called the Melody of Living.”

— Ridgely Torrence

Girl, when he gives you kisses twain, use one, and let the other stay; And hoard it, for moons die, red fades, and you may need a kiss-some day.

— Ridgely Torrence

“A strong, brave man is born each month, each year God gives a sage to men, A poet each ten years, perhaps, but an unselfish person,-when?”

— Ridgely Torrence

“Whatever Juice this sky will pour this gaping parched old throat will drain; What time the Harper harps I'll dance: 'tis He, not I, who shall complain. Meal may be scarce and cakes be burnt, yet I weep not nor even scold: The sun is food enough for me, 't is large, and has not yet grown cold.”

— Ridgely Torrence

“Whether my days are cooled with calm or filled with fever's ardent taint, I have the same blue sky as God, I have the same God as the saint.”

— Ridgely Torrence

“Tell Youth to play with Wine and Love and never bear away the scars! I may as well tilt up the sky and yet try not to spill the stars.”

— Ridgely Torrence

“But work a year and sleep an hour, and sleep a night and sing a day, And take a little wine and love, and when you feel religious-pray.”

— Ridgely Torrence