Hoyt & Roberts, comps. Hoyts New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. 1922.
Independence
I never thrust my nose into other mens porridge. It is no bread and butter of mine: Every man for himself and God for us all. CervantesDon Quixote. Pt. I. Bk. III. Ch. XI.
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. Thomas JeffersonDeclaration of Independence.
Voyager upon lifes sea: To yourself be true, And whateer your lot may be, Paddle your own canoe. Dr. Edward P. PhilpotsPaddle your own Canoe. Written for Harry Clifton. Appeared in Harpers Monthly, May 1854. See Notes and Queries, May 25, 1901. P. 414. Another song written by Mrs. S. K. Bolton has same refrain. Pub. in Family Herald, 1853. Also in Song by Mrs. Sarah Tittle. (Barritt.)
Thy spirit, Independence, let me share! Lord of the lion-heart and eagle-eye, Thy steps I follow with my bosom bare, Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. SmollettOde to Independence. L. 1.
* * * but while I breathe Heavens air, and Heaven looks down on me, And smiles at my best meanings, I remain Mistress of mine own self and mine own soul. TennysonThe Foresters. Act IV. Sc. 1.