To copy others is necessary, but to copy oneself is pathetic

To copy others is necessary, but to copy oneself is pathetic

We can say nothing but what hath been said . . . Our poets steal
from Homer . . read more

We can say nothing but what hath been said . . . Our poets steal
from Homer . . . . Our storydressers do as much; he that comes
last is commonly best.

Because they commonly make use of treasure found in books, as of
other treasure belonging to the dead and read more

Because they commonly make use of treasure found in books, as of
other treasure belonging to the dead and hidden underground; for
they dispose of both with great secrecy, defacing the shape and
image of the one as much as of the other.

Amongst so many borrowed things, am glad if I can steal one,
disguising and altering it for some new read more

Amongst so many borrowed things, am glad if I can steal one,
disguising and altering it for some new service.

My books need no one to accuse or judge you: the page which is
yours stands up against you read more

My books need no one to accuse or judge you: the page which is
yours stands up against you and says, "You are a thief."

Steal!--to be sure they may; and egad, serve your best thoughts
as gypsies do stolen children, disfigure them to read more

Steal!--to be sure they may; and egad, serve your best thoughts
as gypsies do stolen children, disfigure them to make 'em pass
for their own.

Fine words! I wonder where you stole 'em.
[Lat., Libertas et natale solum.]

Fine words! I wonder where you stole 'em.
[Lat., Libertas et natale solum.]

When Shakespeare is charges with debts to his authors, Landor
replies, "Yet he was more original than his originals. read more

When Shakespeare is charges with debts to his authors, Landor
replies, "Yet he was more original than his originals. He
breathed upon dead bodies and brought them into life."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson,

For such kind of borrowing as this, if it be not bettered by the
borrower, among good authors is read more

For such kind of borrowing as this, if it be not bettered by the
borrower, among good authors is accounted plagiary.