Poetry is adolescence fermented, and thus preserved.
Really, subtlety is what is really important to me and my work.
I do not give the honorific name of 'poetry' to the primitive and the unaccomplished.
What is lofty can be said in any language. What is mean should be said in none.
I think my writing has become "cleaner."
To endeavor to work upon the vulgar with fine sense is like attempting to hew blocks with a razor.
The most exquisite words and finest strokes of an author are those which very often appear the most doubtful and exceptionable to a man who wants a relish for polite learning; and they are those which a sour undistinguishing critic generally attacks with the greatest violence.
For people who are really talented, what you don't say becomes extremely important. You have to judge what to say and what to leave alone so you can let the talent develop.
Faire language grates not the tongue.
Fine writing, according to Mr. Addison, consists of sentiments which are natural without being obvious.
