Walter Savage Landor
Walter Savage Landor
Walter Savage Landorwas an English writer and poet. His best known works were the prose Imaginary Conversations, and the poem Rose Aylmer, but the critical acclaim he received from contemporary poets and reviewers was not matched by public popularity. As remarkable as his work was, it was equalled by his rumbustious character and lively temperament...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth30 January 1775
government long democracy
A mercantile democracy may govern long and widely; a mercantile aristocracy cannot stand.
kings greatness pedestal
The tomb is the pedestal of greatness. I make a distinction between God's great and the king's great.
kissing eyelashes tears
It is delightful to kiss the eyelashes of the beloved--is it not? But never so delightful as when fresh tears are on them.
long giving diversity
We enter our studies, and enjoy a society which we alone can bring together. We raise no jealousy by conversing with one in preference to another; we give no offence to the most illustrious by questioning him as long as we will, and leaving him as abruptly. Diversity of opinion raises no tumult in our presence: each interlocutor stands before us, speaks or is silent, and we adjourn or decide the business at our leisure.
heart poetry source
That which moveth the heart most is the best poetry; it comes nearest unto God, the source of all power.
men political goats
Political men, like goats, usually thrive best among inequalities.
power missing may
Where power is absent we may find the robe of genius, but we miss the throne.
heart dimensions companionship
What is companionship where nothing that improves the intellect is communicated, and where the larger heart contracts itself to the model and dimension of the smaller?
punishment toes nails
The only effect of public punishment is to show the rabble how bravely it can be borne; and that every one who hath lost a toe-nail hath suffered worse.
eye men snow
Little men build up great ones, but the snow colossus soon melts; the good stand under the eye of God, and therefore stand.
friendship virtue
Virtue is presupposed in friendship.
friendship girl hatred
No friendship is so cordial or so delicious as that of girl for girl; no hatred so intense and immovable as that of woman for woman.
imagination fancy youth
Fancy is imagination in her youth and adolescence. Fancy is always excursive; imagination, not seldom, is sedate.
wise block men
Whatever is worthy to be loved for anything is worthy of preservation. A wise and dispassionate legislator, if any such should ever arise among men, will not condemn to death him who has done or is likely to do more service than injury to society. Blocks and gibbets are the nearest objects with legislators, and their business is never with hopes or with virtues.