A good reader is nearly as rare as a good writer. People bring their prejudices, whether friendly or adverse. They are lamp and spectacles, lighting and magnifying the page.
Robert Aris WillmottA cultivated reader of history is domesticated in all families; he dines with Pericles, and sups with Titian.
Robert Aris WillmottA book becomes a mirror, with the author's face shining over it. Talent only gives an imperfect image,--the broken glimmer of a countenance. But the features of genius remain unruffled. Time guards the shadow. Beauty, the spiritual, Venus,--whose children are the Tassos, the Spensers, the Bacons,--breathes, the magic of her love, and fixes the face forever.
Robert Aris WillmottSome gifted adventurer is always sailing round the world of art and science, to bring home costly merchandise from every port.
Robert Aris Willmott