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Style! style! why, all writers will tell you that it is the very
thing which can least of all read more
Style! style! why, all writers will tell you that it is the very
thing which can least of all be changed. A man's style is nearly
as much a part of him as his physiognomy, his figure, the
throbbing of this pulse,--in short, as any part of his being is
at least subjected to the action of the will.
Looking good and dressing well is a necessity. Having a purpose in life is not.
Looking good and dressing well is a necessity. Having a purpose in life is not.
Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit read more
Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit in pompous words express'd,
Is like a clown in regal purple dress'd.
Such labour'd nothings, in so strange a style.
Amaze th' learn'd, and make the learned smile.
Such labour'd nothings, in so strange a style.
Amaze th' learn'd, and make the learned smile.
For style beyond the genius never dares.
[Fr., Che stilo oltra l'ingegno non si stende.]
For style beyond the genius never dares.
[Fr., Che stilo oltra l'ingegno non si stende.]
Obscurity is the realm of error.
[Fr., L'obscurite est le royaume de l'erreur.]
Obscurity is the realm of error.
[Fr., L'obscurite est le royaume de l'erreur.]
When Croft's "Life of Dr. Young" was spoken of as a good
imitation of Dr. Johnson's style, "No, no," read more
When Croft's "Life of Dr. Young" was spoken of as a good
imitation of Dr. Johnson's style, "No, no," said he, "it is not a
good imitation of Johnson; it has all his pomp without his force;
it has all the nodosities of the oak, without its strength; it
has all the contortions of the sibyl, without the inspiration."
I do not go down and sit in front of the computer and make myself write; that's not my style.
I do not go down and sit in front of the computer and make myself write; that's not my style.
A chaste and lucid style is indicative of the same personal
traits in the author.
A chaste and lucid style is indicative of the same personal
traits in the author.