Words are the leaves of the tree of language, of which, if some fall away, a new succession takes their read more

Words are the leaves of the tree of language, of which, if some fall away, a new succession takes their place.

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some read more

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some words got me into trouble and others got me out.

When a language creates -- as it does -- a community within the present, it does so only by courtesy read more

When a language creates -- as it does -- a community within the present, it does so only by courtesy of a community between the present and the past.

Don Chaucer. well of English undefyled
On Fame's eternall beadroll worthie to be fyled.

Don Chaucer. well of English undefyled
On Fame's eternall beadroll worthie to be fyled.

The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words.

The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words.

The accent of one's country dwells in the mind and in the heart
as much as in the language.
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The accent of one's country dwells in the mind and in the heart
as much as in the language.
[Fr., L'accent du pays ou l'on est ne demeure dans l'esprit et
dans le coeur comme dans le langage.]

The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean

The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean

The most precious things in speech are pauses.

The most precious things in speech are pauses.

Thou whoreson zed, thou unnecessary letter!

Thou whoreson zed, thou unnecessary letter!