His manner of Studie was thus:About every three houres his man was to bring him a roll and a pott of Ale to refocillate his wasted spirits: so he studied and dranke, and munched some bread; and this maintained him till night, and then, he made a good Supper: now he did well not to dine, which breakes off one's fancy, which will not presently be regained: and 'tis with Invention as a flux, when once it is flowing, it runnes amaine: if it is checked, flowes but guttim [drop by drop]: and the like for perspiration, check it, and 'tis spoyled.

He was a learned man, of immense reading, but is much blamed for his unfaithfull quotations.

Sir Walt, being strangely supprized and putt out of his countenance at so great a Table, gives his son a damned blow over the face; his son, as rude as he was,…

I remember about 1660 there was a great difference between him and Sir Hierome Sanchy, one of Oliver's knights:The Knight had been a Soldier, and challenged Si…

There was one picture in particular which bothered him. It had begun with a leaf caught in the wind, and it became a tree; and the tree grew, sending out innum…

All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath.

If I have a thousand ideas and only one turns out to be good, I am satisfied.