There is no such thing as good writing, only good rewriting.
ROBERT GRAVESLove without hope, as when the young bird-catcher Swept off his tall hat to the Squire’s own daughter, So let the imprisoned larks escape and fly Singing about her head, as she rode by.
More Robert Graves Quotes
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Love is a universal migraine. A bright stain on the vision, Blotting out reason.
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In love as in sport, the amateur status must be strictly maintained.
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No honest theologian therefore can deny that his acceptance of Jesus as Christ logically binds every Christian to a belief in reincarnation – in Elias case (who was later John the Baptist) at least.
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Fact is not truth, but a poet who wilfully defies fact cannot achieve truth.
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A perfect poem is impossible. Once it had been written, the world would end. Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal.
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You mean that people who continue virtuous in an old-fashioned way must inevitably suffer in times like these?
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We forget cruelty and past betrayal, Heedless of where the next bright bolt may fall.
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Genius not only diagnoses the situation but supplies the answers.
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There is one story and one story only.
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In love as in sport, the amateur status must be strictly maintained.
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Kaisers and Czars will strut the stage Once more with pomp and greed and rage; Courtly ministers will stop At home and fight to the last drop; By the million men will die In some new horrible agony.
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Truth-loving Persians do not dwell upon The trivial skirmish fought near Marathon.
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Love at first sight’some say misnaming Discovery of twinned helplessness Against the huge tug of procreation. But friendship at first sight? This also Catches fiercely at the surprised heart So that the cheek blanches then blushes.
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Faults in English prose derive not so much from lack of knowledge, intelligence or art as from lack of thought, patience or goodwill.
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So when I’m killed, don’t wait for me, Walking the dim corridor; In Heaven or Hell, don’t wait for me, Or you must wait for evermore. You’ll find me buried, living-dead In these verses that you’ve read.
ROBERT GRAVES






