The poet ranks far below the painter in the representation of visible things, and far below the musician in that of invisible things.

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.

To place any dependence upon militia, is, assuredly, resting upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender scenes of domestic life - unaccustomed to the din of arms - totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill, which being followed by a want of confidence in themselves when opposed to troops regularly trained, disciplined, and appointed, superior in knowledge, and superior in arms, makes them timid and ready to fly from their own shadows.

I thank you most sincerely for your polite notice of me, in the elegant Lines you enclosed; and however undeserving I may be of such encomium and panegyrick, the style and manner exhibit a striking proof of your great poetical Talents. In honour of which, and as a tribute justly due to you, I would have published the Poem, had I not been apprehensive, that, while I only meant to give the World this new instance of your genius, I might have incurred the imputation of Vanity. This and nothing else, determined me not to give it place in the public Prints.

The arts are essen­tial to any com­plete national life. The State owes it to itself to sus­tain and encour­age them. I'll fares the race which fails to salute the arts with the rev­er­ence and delight which are their due.