Alexander Pope on Authors
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βE'en copious Dryden wanted, or forgot, The last and greatest artβthe art to blot.β
βIn every work regard the writer's end, Since none can compass more than they intend.β
βAuthors are partial to their wit, 'tis true, But are not critics to their judgment too?β
βIt is the rust we value, not the gold; Authors, like coins, grow dear, as they grow old.β
βTrue ease in writing comes from art, not chance, As those move easiest who have learn'd to dance.β
βWhy did I write? what sin to me unknown Dipt me in ink, my parents', or my own? As yet a child, nor yet a fool to fame, I lisp'd in numbers, for the numbers came.β
β"Tis hard to say if greater want of skill Appear in writing or in judging ill; But, of the two less dang'rous is th' offence To tire our patience than mislead our sense.β
βWhether the darken'd room to muse invite, Or whiten'd wall provoke the skew'r to write; In durance, exile, Bedlam, or the Mint, Like Lee or Budgel I will rhyme and print.β
βI would not be like those Authors, who forgive themselves some particular lines for the sake of a whole Poem, and vice versa a whole Poem for the sake of some particular lines. I believe no one qualification is so likely to make a good writer, as the power of rejecting his own thoughts.β
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