George Borrow

Translation is at best an echo.

— 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

There is a peculiarity in the countenance, as everybody knows, which, though it cannot be described, is sure to betray the Englishman.

— 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 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

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

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

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

There's the wind on the heath, brother; if I could only feel that, I would gladly live for ever.

— George Borrow

He is not deserving of the name of Englishman who speaketh against ale, that is, good ale.

— 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