I have been so long in the habit of pursuing any train of thought, however wild, that presents itself to my mind, that I cannot easily break it, even in your presence.

All studious men--the twilight Eremites of books and closets, contract this ungraceful custom of soliloquy.

You know our abstraction is a common jest and proverb: you must laugh me out of it.

But stay, dearest!--there is a rare herb at your feet, let me gather it.

So, do you note its leaves--this bending and silver flower?
Let us rest on this bank, and I will tell you of its qualities.