It is in vain a daring author thinks of attaining to the heights of Parnassus if he does not feel the secret influence of heaven and if his natal star has not formed him to be a poet. — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image
He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but cannot please himself. — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image
Now two punctilious envoys, Thine and Mine Embroil the earth about a fancied line; And, dwelling much on right and much on wrong, Prove… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image
No one who cannot limit himself has ever been able to write. — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image
Time flies and draws us with it. The moment in which I am speaking is already far from me. — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image
Of all the animals which fly in the air, walk on the land, or swim in the sea, from Paris to Peru, from Japan… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image
Nature always springs to the surface and manages to show what she is. It is vain to stop or try to drive her back.… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image
Though you be sprung in direct line from Hercules, if you show a lowborn meanness, that long succession of ancestors whom you disgrace are… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share Image