Who casts to write a living line, must sweat.

He was not of an age, but for all time.

For a good poet's made, as well as born.

Soul of the age! The applause, delight, the wonder of our stage! My Shakespeare, rise; I will not lodge thee by Chaucer or Spenser, or bid Beaumont lie A littl…

The real geniuses know where their writing has to be good and where they can get away with some mediocrity.

The little bit (two inches wide) of ivory on which I work with so fine a brush as produces little effect after much labour.

A line will take us hours maybe; Yet if it does not seem a moment's thought, Our stitching and unstitching has been naught. Better go down upon your marrow-bon…