Quote#Hope
He that thinks himself capable of astonishing may write blank verse:…
Quote bySamuel Johnson · 1709–1784
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Lives of the English Poets (1779–81), The Life of Milton.
English (original)
He that thinks himself capable of astonishing may write blank verse: but those that hope only to please must condescend to rhyme.
— Samuel Johnson
More from Samuel Johnson
Unmoved though Witlings sneer and Rivals rail, Studious to please, yet not ashamed to fail. He scorns the meek address, the suppliant strain. With merit needless, and without it vain. In Reason, Nature, Truth, he dares to trust: Ye Fops, …
Of all the Griefs that harrass the Distrest, Sure the most bitter is a scornful Jest
The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible scenes in the farce of life.
This mournful truth is ev'rywhere confessed — Slow rises worth, by poverty depressed.
By Numbers here from Shame or Censure free, All Crimes are safe, but hated Poverty. This, only this, the rigid Law persues, This, only this, provokes the snarling Muse.
A thousand horrid Prodigies foretold it. A feeble government, eluded Laws, A factious Populace, luxurious Nobles, And all the maladies of stinking states.