The characteristic of Chaucer is intensity: of Spencer, remoteness: of Milton elevation and of Shakespeare everything.
William HazlittTo speak highly of one with whom we are intimate is a species of egotism. Our modesty as well as our jealousy teaches us caution on this subject.
William HazlittLanguage, if it throws a veil over our ideas, adds a softness and refinement to them, like that which the atmosphere gives to naked objects.
William HazlittTo expect an author to talk as he writes is ridiculous; or even if he did you would find fault with him as a pedant.
William Hazlitt