Imagination in a poet is a faculty so wild and lawless that, like a high ranging spaniel, it must have clogs tied to it, lest it outrun the judgment. The great easiness of blank verse renders the poet too luxuriant. He is tempted to say many things which might better be omitted, or, at least shut up in fewer words.

The conscience of a people is their power.

Desire of greatness is a godlike sin.

Not to ask is not be denied.

Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.

Since a true knowledge of nature gives us pleasure, a lively imitation of it, either in poetry or painting, must produce a much greater; for both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.

Zeal, the blind conductor of the will.