Quote #5

The other three come partly from art, namely the proper construction of figures - these being of course of two kinds, figures of thought and figures of speech - and, over and above these, nobility of language:The fifth cause of grandeur, which gives form to all those already mentioned, is dignified and elegant word-arrangement.

More from Longinus

  1. There are, one may say, some five most productive sources of the sublime in literature, the common groundwork, as it were, of all five bein…
  2. Sublimity is the echo of a noble mind.
  3. To miss a high aim is to fail without shame.
  4. Thee, bold Longinus! all the Nine inspire, And bless their Critick with a Poet's Fire. An ardent Judge, who Zealous in his Trust, With Warm…
  5. The images make for confusion rather than forcefulness. Examine each in the light of day and it gradually sinks from the terrible to the ri…
  6. Genius needs the curb as often as the spur.

All Longinus quotes