The Right Method of Composition

Never be in haste in writing:

Let that thou utterest be of nature's flow,

Not art's, a fountain's, not a pump's. But once

Begun, work thou all things into thy work:

And set thyself about it, as the sea

About the earth, lashing it day and night:

And leave the stamp of thine own soul in it

As thorough as the fossil flower in clay:

The theme shall start and struggle in thy breast,

Like to a spirit in its tomb at rising,

Rending the stones, and crying--Resurrection.

Cole's Funny Picture Book No. 1 · 第 519 / 809 题