James Fenimore Cooper quotes

“Every trail has its end, and every calamity brings its lesson!”

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XXV

Why,” repeated the scout, looking about him proudly; “because it is better for a man to die at peace with himself than to live haunted by an evil conscience!

— Spoken by a character · Chapter VIII

But the task would exceed our prerogatives; and, as history, like love, is so apt to surround her heroes with an atmosphere of imaginary brightness, it is probable that Louis de Saint Veran will be viewed by posterity only as the gallant defender of his country, while his cruel apathy on the shores of the Oswego and of the Horican will be forgotten.

The gifts of our colors may be different, but God has so placed us as to journey in the same path.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XXXIII

is it justice to make evil and then punish for it?

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XI

No, no; you are young, and rich, and have friends, and at such an age I know it is hard to die!

— Spoken by a character · Chapter VIII

No, no; your young white, who gathers his learning from books and can measure what he knows by the page, may conceit that his knowledge, like his legs, outruns that of his fathers’, but, where experience is the master, the scholar is made to know the value of years, and respects them accordingly.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XXI

I too can play the madman, the fool, the hero; in short, any or everything to rescue her I love.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XXII

My day has been too long. In the morning I saw the sons of Unamis happy and strong; and yet, before the night has come, have I lived to see the last warrior of the wise race of the Mohicans.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XXXIII

’Tis a strange calling!” muttered Hawkeye, with an inward laugh, “to go through life, like a catbird, mocking all the ups and downs that may happen to come out of other men’s throats.

— Hawkeye · Chapter VI

God has given the salt lick to the deer; and He has given to man, red-skin and white, the delicious spring at which to slake his thirst.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter II

Patience is the greatest of virtues in a woodsman.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter VIII

We are all human, and all do wrong.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XIV

“Hardship! 'tis a pleasure, children, and the greatest that is left me on this side the grave.”

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XLI