I was a poet too; but modern taste Is so refined and…
“I was a poet too; but modern taste Is so refined and delicate and chaste, That verse, whatever fire the fancy warms, Without a creamy smoothness has no charms. Thus, all success depending on an ear, And thinking I might purchase it too dear, If sentiment were sacrific'd to sound, And truth cut short to make a period round, I judg'd a man of sense could scarce do worse Than caper in the morris-dance of verse.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet laments that modern audiences demand overly refined, smooth verse, sacrificing passion and truth for delicate style.
In simple terms: Modern taste prefers smooth, refined poetry over raw emotion.
Key Takeaway
Balance elegance with authentic feeling.
Themes
poetry
art
taste
authenticity
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing poetry
- literary criticism
- creative expression
Key Concepts
aesthetic refinement
artistic integrity
audience expectation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a poet retain passion while meeting refined tastes?
- What is the cost of sacrificing truth for style?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on refinement can mute emotional impact.