I speak truth, not so much as I would, but as much as I dare; and I dare a little the more as I grow older.

Montaigne (Essay, Of Repentance).


Coleridge was holding forth on the effects produced by his preaching, and appealed to Lamb: “You have heard me preach, I think?” “I have never heard you do anything else,” was the urbane reply.

(John Sterling said) Coleridge is best described in his own words:

His flashing eyes, his floating hair!

Weave a circle round him thrice,

And close your eyes with holy dread.

For he on honey-dew hath fed,