We never could clearly understand how it is that egotism, so unpopular in conversation, should be so popular in writing.

History distinguishes what is accidental and transitory in human nature from what is essential and immutable.

The merit of poetry, in its wildest forms, still consists in its truth-truth conveyed to the understanding, not directly by the words, but circuitously by means of imaginative associations, which serve as its conductors.

If ever Shakespeare rants, it is not when his imagination is hurrying him along, but when he is hurrying his imagination along.

The impenetrable stupidity of Prince George (son-in-law of James II) served his turn. It was his habit, when any news was told him, to exclaim, "Est il possible?"-"Is it possible?"

In Plato's opinion, man was made for philosophy; in Bacon's opinion, philosophy was made for man.

The passages in which Milton has alluded to his own circumstances are perhaps read more frequently, and with more interest, than any other lines in his poems.