The crowns o’ the world: O eyes sublime,

With tears and laughter for all time!

E. B. Browning (1809-1861). A Vision of Poets, 1844.


A rib of Shakespeare would have made a Milton: the same portion of Milton, all poets born ever since.

W. S. Landor (1775-1846). “Imaginary Conversations.” Works, 1846, ii. p. 74.


In poetry there is but one supreme,

Tho’ there are many angels round his throne,

Mighty, and beauteous, while his face is hid.