Poetry is not the thing said, but the way of saying it.

Three minutes thought would suffice to find this out; but thought is irksome and three minutes is a long time.

Earth and high heaven are fixed of old and founded strong.

To be a textual critic requires aptitude for thinking and willingness to think; and though it also requires other things, those things are supplements and cannot be substitutes. Knowledge is good, method is good, but one thing beyond all others is necessary; and that is to have a head, not a pumpkin, on your shoulders and brains, not pudding, in your head.

Tell me not here, it needs not saying, What tune the enchantress plays In aftermaths of soft September Or under blanching mays, For she and I were long acquainted And I knew all her ways.

I do not choose the right word, I get rid of the wrong one.

In every American there is an air of incorrigible innocence, which seems to conceal a diabolical cunning.