During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was - but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit.
Edgar Allan PoeAs for Republicanism, no analogy could be found for it upon the face of the earthโunless we except the case of the "prairie dogs," an exception which seems to demonstrate, if anything, that democracy is a very admirable form of governmentโfor dogs.
Edgar Allan PoeMost writers - poets in especial - prefer having it understood that they compose by a species of fine frenzy - an ecstatic intuition - and would positively shudder at letting the public take a peep behind the scenes.
Edgar Allan Poe