The world is so grand and so inexhaustible that subjects for poems
should never be wanted. But all poetry should be the poetry of
circumstance; that is, it should be inspired by the Real. A particular
subject will take a poetic and general character precisely because it is
created by a poet. All my poetry is the poetry of circumstance. It
wholly owes its birth to the realities of life.--_Goethe._
Nothing which does not transport is poetry. The lyre is a winged
instrument.--_Joubert._
Perhaps there are no warmer lovers of the muse than those who are only
permitted occasionally to gain her favors. The shrine is more reverently
approached by the pilgrim from afar than the familiar worshiper. Poetry
is often more beloved by one whose daily vocation is amid the bustle of
the world. We read of a fountain in Arabia upon whose basin is
inscribed, "Drink and away;" but how delicious is that hasty draught,
and how long and brightly the thought of its transient refreshment
dwells in the memory!--_Tuckerman._