Merit has rarely risen of itself, but a pebble or a twig is often quite sufficient for it to spring from to the highest ascent. There is usually some baseness before there is any elevation.
Walter Savage LandorPrinciples do not mainly influence even the principled; we talk on principle, but we act on interest.
Walter Savage LandorThe vain poet is of the opinion that nothing of his can be too much: he sends to you basketful after basketful of juiceless fruit, covered with scentless flowers.
Walter Savage Landor