The words in prose ought to express the intended meaning, and no more; if they attract attention to themselves, it is, in general, a fault.

The sun's rim dips; the stars rush out: At one stride comes the dark; With far-heard whisper o'er the sea, Off shot the spectre-bark.

In wonder all philosophy began, in wonder it ends, and admiration fill up the interspace; but the first wonder is the offspring of ignorance, the last is the parent of adoration.

False doctrine does not necessarily make a man a heretic, but an evil heart can make any doctrine heretical.

Where virtue is, sensibility is the ornament and becoming attire of virtue. On certain occasions it may almost be said to become virtue. But sensibility and all the amiable qualities may likewise become, and too often have become, the panders of vice and the instruments of seduction.

Until you understand a writer's ignorance, presume yourself ignorant of his understanding.

The artist must imitate that which is within the thing, that which is active through form and figure, and discourses to us by symbols.