"But he who meditates a work of art, Oft as he writes will act the censor’s part: Is there a word wants nobleness and grace, Devoid of weight, nor worthy of high place? He bids it go though stiffly it decline, And cling and cling like suppliant to a shrine."

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Added on April 10, 2026
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Original Language: English

Sources

Horace, Epistles 2, 2, 109 (tr. Conington)

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Composition_(language)