Every man carries with him through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as his shadow.

In addition to English, at least one ancient language, probably Greek or Hebrew, and two modern languages would be required.

The only reason the Protestants and Catholics have given up the idea of universal domination is because they've realised they can't get away with it.

I used to try and concentrate the poem so much that there wasn't a word that wasn't essential. This leads to becoming boring and constipated.

The primary function of poetry, as of all the arts, is to make us more aware of ourselves and the world around us. I do not know if such increased awareness makes us more moral or more efficient. I hope not. I think it makes us more human, and I am quite certain it makes us more difficult to deceive.

The nightingales are sobbing in The orchards of our mothers, And hearts that we broke long ago Have long been breaking others; Tears are round, the sea is deep: Roll them overboard and sleep.

My face looks like a wedding-cake left out in the rain.