Horace Art Quotations

It is no great art to say something briefly when, like Tacitus, one has something to say; when one has nothing to say, however, and none the less writes a whole book and makes truth into a liar - that I call an achievement.

O drink is mighty! secrets it unlocks, Turns hope to fact, sets cowards on to box, Takes burdens from the careworn, finds out parts In stupid folks, and teaches unknown arts. What tongue hangs fire when quickened by the bowl? What wretch so poor but wine expands his soul?

Pale death knocks with impartial foot at poor men's hovels and king's palaces.

Whither, O god of wine, art thou hurrying me, whilst under thy all-powerful influence?

No man ever reached to excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow and painful process of study and preparation.

What wonders does not wine! It discloses secrets; ratifies and confirms our hopes; thrusts the coward forth to battle; eases the anxious mind of its burden; instructs in arts. Whom has not a cheerful glass made eloquent! Whom not quite free and easy from pinching poverty!

What does drunkenness not accomplish? It unlocks secrets, confirms our hopes, urges the indolent into battle, lifts the burden from anxious minds, teaches new arts.

Painters and poets have equal license in regard to everything.

Drawing is the true test of art.

The Muse gave the Greeks genius and the art of the well-turned phrase.

You must often make erasures if you mean to write what is worthy of being read a second time; and don't labor for the admiration of the crowd, but be content with a few choice readers.

Every old poem is sacred.

A picture is a poem without words