George Borrow quotes

Translation is at best an echo. (George Borrow)
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?
George Borrow
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.
George Borrow
There is a peculiarity in the countenance, as everybody knows, which, though it cannot be described, is sure to betray the Englishman.
George Borrow
There's the wind on the heath, brother; if I could only feel that, I would gladly live for ever.
George Borrow
It has been said that idleness is the parent of mischief, which is very true; but mischief itself is merely an attempt to escape from the dreary vacuum of idleness.
George Borrow
He is not deserving of the name of Englishman who speaketh against ale, that is, good ale.
George Borrow
I have always been a friend to hero-worship; it is the only rational one, and has always been in use amongst civilized people.
George Borrow
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.
George Borrow
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.
George Borrow
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. (George Borrow)
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.
George Borrow
Next to the love of God, the love of country is the best preventive of crime.
George Borrow
Two great talkers will not travel far together.
George Borrow
Youth will be served, every dog has his day, and mine has been a fine one.
George Borrow
There are no countries in the world less known by the British than those selfsame British Islands.
George Borrow
I am invariably of the politics of the people at whose table I sit, or beneath whose roof I sleep.
George Borrow
A losing trade, I assure you, sir: literature is a drug.
George Borrow