Poets are never allowed to be mediocre by the gods, by men or by publishers.

I am doubting what to do.

And take back ill-polished stanzas to the anvil.

Knowledge without education is but armed injustice.

Virtuosi have been long remarked to have little conscience in their favorite pursuits. A man will steal a rarity who would cut off his hand rather than take the money it is worth. Yet, in fact, the crime is the same.

Once a word has been allowed to escape, it cannot be recalled.

A word, once sent abroad, flies irrevocably.