Quote#Poetry
I need scarcely observe that a poem deserves its title only inasmuch…
Quote byEdgar Allan Poe · 1809–1849
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Poetic Principle (1850).
English (original)
I need scarcely observe that a poem deserves its title only inasmuch as it excites, by elevating the soul. The value of the poem is in the ratio of this elevating excitement. But all excitements are, through a psychal necessity, transient.
— Edgar Allan Poe
More from Edgar Allan Poe
A dark unfathom'd tide Of interminable pride — A mystery, and a dream, Should my early life seem.
O, human love! thou spirit given, On Earth, of all we hope in Heaven!
By a route obscure and lonely, Haunted by ill angels only, Where an Eidolon, named NIGHT, On a black throne reigns upright, I have reached these lands but newly From an ultimate dim Thule —
Come! let the burial rite be read — the funeral song be sung! — An anthem for the queenliest dead that ever died so young — A dirge for her the doubly dead in that she died so young.
If I could dwell Where Israfel Hath dwelt, and he where I, He might not sing so wildly well A mortal melody, While a bolder note than this might swell
The happiest day — the happiest hour My sear'd and blighted heart hath known, The highest hope of pride and power, I feel hath flown.