Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: “The precept given by a wise man, as well as a great critic, for the construction of poems, is equally true as to…”

On the record
The precept given by a wise man, as well as a great critic, for the construction of poems, is equally true as to states:--Non satis est pulchra esse poemata, dulcia sunto.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke draws a parallel between poetry and governance, stressing that both must be pleasing and sweet.

Share

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

Let us add, if we please, but let us preserve what they have left; and standing on the firm ground of the British Constitution, let us be satisfied to admire, rather than attempt to follow in their desperate flights, the aëronauts of…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

I think our happy situation owing to our Constitution,--but owing to the whole of it, and not to any part singly,--owing in a great measure to what we have left standing in our several reviews and reformations, as well as to what we have…

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1790

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

gutenberg.org

Other voices in this conversation