Mediocrity in poets has never been tolerated by either men, or gods, or booksellers.

He wins every hand who mingles profit with pleasure, by delighting and instructing the reader at the same time.

When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men's minds may take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.

To have good sense, is the first principle and fountain of writing well.

And what he fears he cannot make attractive with his touch he abandons.

Into the middle things.

The mountains will be in labor, and a ridiculous mouse will be brought forth.

It is difficult to speak of the universal specifically.

Struggling to be brief I become obscure.

Do you count your birthdays with gratitude?