No performance is worth loss of geniality. 'Tis a cruel price we pay for certain fancy goods called fine arts and philosophy.
Ralph Waldo EmersonBeauty is an outward gift, which is seldom despised, except by those to whom it has been refused.
Ralph Waldo EmersonMy gentleman gives the law where he is; he will outpray saints in chapel, outgeneral veterans in the field, and outshine all courtesy in the hall. He is good company for pirates, and good with academicians; so that it is useless to fortify yourself against him; he has the private entrance to all minds, and I could as easily exclude myself, as him.
Ralph Waldo Emerson