Horace on Composition (language)

“The labour and tediousness of polishing (any work of art, poetry, painting, etc.) as though with a file.”

“Beware of attempting anything (in literary composition) for which nature has not gifted you—i.e., against the grain.”

“All votes he gains who can unite Profit with pleasure, and delight His reader’s fancy, all the time He gives instruction couched in rhyme.”

“But he who meditates a work of art, Oft as he writes will act the censor’s part: Is there a word wants nobleness and grace, Devoid of weight, nor worthy of high place? He bids it go though stiffly it decline, And cling and cling like suppliant to a shrine.”

“Good authors, take a brother bard’s advice: Ponder your subject o’er not once or twice, And oft and oft consider if the weight You hope to lift be, or be not too great. Let but our theme be equal to our powers, Choice language, clear arrangement, both are ours.”

“Oh yes! believe me, you must draw your pen Not once or twice, but o’er and o’er again Through what you’ve written, if you would entice The man that reads you once to read you twice, Not making popular applause your cue, But looking to fit audience, although few.”