The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757 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

But why should I, a Huron of the woods, tell a wise people their own traditions? Why remind them of their injuries; their ancient greatness; their deeds; their glory; their happiness; their losses; their defeats; their misery? Is there not one among them who has seen it all, and who knows it to be true? I have done. My tongue is still for my heart is of lead. I listen.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter XXIX