One can re-create what was in the mind of a mathematician a thousand years ago, recapture the truth of the intellect wherever it may have once come to light; but the image of art, that infinite variable of perception and expression in the individual, - that is not easily re-created, at least, not with certainty and in its original fulness.

The poet craves emotion, and feeds the fire that consumes him, and only under this condition is he baptized with creative power.

You must find the ideas that have some promise in them... It is not enough to just have ideas.

Who of English speech, bred to the traditions of his race, does not recognize Hamlet in his 'inky cloak' at a glance? Not to know him would argue one's self untaught in the chief glories of his language.

I seldom deal in symbolisms; if there be hidden meanings in my verse, they are there without my knowledge.

I am quite sure that no friendship yields its true pleasure and nobility of nature without frequent communication, sympathy and service.

The critic is genius at one remove; he is not unlike an actor on the stage, and incarnates in his mind, as the actor embodies in his person, another's work; only thus does he understand art, realize it, know it; and having arrived at this, his task is done.