Joaquin Miller Quotes

A collection of quotes by Joaquin Miller.

Joaquin Miller (1837-1913) was an American poet and writer, known for his romanticized depictions of the American West. Born as Cincinnatus Hiner Miller in Indiana, he later adopted the pen name Joaquin Miller. He led an adventurous life, working as a miner, lawyer, and judge, before dedicating himself to writing. Miller's works often celebrated the beauty and spirit of nature, capturing the essence of the frontier. His notable works include "Songs of the Sierras" and "Songs of the Sun-Lands." Joaquin Miller's contributions to American literature continue to be appreciated for their vivid imagery and evocative storytelling.

O you had loved her sitting there, Half hidden in her loosen

O you had loved her sitting there, Half hidden in her loosen'd hair: Why, you had loved her for her eyes, Their large and melancholy look Of tenderness, and well mistook Their love for light of Paradise.

Joaquin Miller

Love Light Paradise

All honor to him who shall win the prize. The world has crie

All honor to him who shall win the prize. The world has cried for a thousand years. But to him who tries and fails and dies, I give great honor and glory and tears.

Joaquin Miller

Failure

Behind him lay the gray Azores, Behind the gates of Hercules

Behind him lay the gray Azores, Behind the gates of Hercules;Before him not the ghost of shores,Before him only shorless seas.The good Mate said, Now we must pray,For lo! the very stars are gone.Brave Admiral, speak, what shall I say?Why say, 'Sail on! sail on! and on!My men grow mutinous day by day;My men grow ghastly wan and weak!The stout Mate thought of home; a sprayOf salt wavewashed his swarthy cheek.What shall I say, brave Admiral, say,If we sight naught but seas at dawn?Why, you shall say at break of day,'Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!'They sailed. They sailed. Then spake the Mate;This mad sea shows its teeth tonight.He curls his lip, he lies in wait,With lifted teeth, as if to bite!Brave Admiral, say but one good word;What shall we do when hope is gone?The words leapt like a leaping sword;Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!Then, pale and worn, he kept his deckAnd peered through darkness. Ah! that nightOf all dark nights! And then a speck --A light! A light! A light! A light!It grew, a starlit flag unfurled!It grew to be Time's burst of dawn.He gained a world; he gave that worldIts greatest lesson: On! sail on!based on the courageous determination of Christopher Columbus

Joaquin Miller

Sailing