Will Carleton
poet (1845–1912)
William McKendree Carleton (October 21, 1845 – December 18, 1912) was an American poet, who wrote mostly about rural life.
Quotes
edit- Over the hill to the poor-house I'm trudgin' my weary way.
- Over the Hill to the Poor-house (1872).
- There's lots of people—this town wouldn't hold them;
Who don't know much excepting what's told them.- Carleton (1885) City Ballads, p. 143. Quote reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 419-23.
- Not a log in this buildin' but its memories has got
And not a nail in this old floor but touches a tender spot.- Out of the old House, Nancy, reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919).
- Fare you well, old house! you're naught that can feel or see,
But you seem like a human bein'—a dear old friend to me;
And we never will have a better home, if my opinion stands,
Until we commence a-keepin' house in the house not made with hands.- Out of the old House, Nancy, reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919).
- To appreciate heaven well
'T is good for a man to have some fifteen minutes of hell.- Gone with a handsomer Man, reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919).
Betsy and I Are Out (1871)
editBetsy and I Are Out (1871), published in the Toledo Blade and then reprinted by Harper’s Weekly, reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919)
- Things at home are crossways, and Betsy and I are out.
- I have talked with Betsy, and Betsy has talked with me,
And so we've agreed together that we can't never agree.
- Betsy, like all good women, had a temper of her own.
- The more we arg'ed the question the more we did n't agree.
- I don't complain of Betsy or any of her acts,
Exceptin' when we 've quarreled and told each other facts.
