Language is fossil poetry.

Language is fossil poetry.

Language is a mixture of statement and evocation.

Language is a mixture of statement and evocation.

Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.

Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

Language tethers us to the world; without it we spin like atoms.

Language tethers us to the world; without it we spin like atoms.

We defend ourself with descriptions and tame the world by generalizing.

We defend ourself with descriptions and tame the world by generalizing.

I speak two languages, Body and English.

I speak two languages, Body and English.

Grammar, which knows how to lord it over kings, and with high
hands makes them obey its laws.
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Grammar, which knows how to lord it over kings, and with high
hands makes them obey its laws.
[Fr., La grammaire, qui sait regenter jusqu'aux rois,
Et les fait, la main haute, obeir a ses lois.]

A special kind of beauty exists which is born in language, of language, and for language.

A special kind of beauty exists which is born in language, of language, and for language.