But, spite of all the criticising elves,
Those who would make us feel, must feel themselves.

But, spite of all the criticising elves,
Those who would make us feel, must feel themselves.

Too nicely Jonson knew the critic's part,
Nature in him was almost lost in art.

Too nicely Jonson knew the critic's part,
Nature in him was almost lost in art.

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I read more

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.

Though by whim, envy, or resentment led,
They damn those authors whom they never read.

Though by whim, envy, or resentment led,
They damn those authors whom they never read.

Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.

Take your life in your own hands and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.

The rule in carving holds good as to criticism; never cut with a knife what you can cut with a read more

The rule in carving holds good as to criticism; never cut with a knife what you can cut with a spoon.

We praise or blame as one or the other affords more opportunity for exhibiting our power of judgment.

We praise or blame as one or the other affords more opportunity for exhibiting our power of judgment.

Man blames fate for other accidents but feels personally responsible for a hole-in-one.

Man blames fate for other accidents but feels personally responsible for a hole-in-one.