On the record
One may make a bust and yet be entirely unable to make a statue,--just as one may write a poem in the corner of a newspaper and not be able to produce an epic.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner illustrates the difference in artistic ability by comparing the creation of a bust to writing a poem versus an epic.
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They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
Men are erring and mortal; principles are steadfast and immortal.
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
The devices of party can no longer stave it off.
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