Quotes from John Keats

Thou wast not born for death, immortal bird!

Praise or blame has but a momentary effect on the man whose love of beauty in the abstract makes him a severe critic on his own works.

I sit, and moan, Like one who once had wings.

I could centre my Happiness in you, I cannot expect to engross your heart so entirely -- indeed if I thought you felt as much for me as I do for you at this moment I do not think I could restrain myself from seeing you again tomorrow for the delight of one embrace. But no -- I must live upon hope and Chance. In case of the worst that can happen, I shall still love you -- but what hatred shall I have for another!

Turn the key deftly in the oiled wards, And seal the hushed Casket of my Soul.

When through the old oak forest I am gone, Let me not wander in a barren dream.

As inscribed on John Keats' tombstone: This Grave contains all that was Mortal, of a YOUNG ENGLISH POET, Who on his Death Bed, in the Bitterness of his Heart, at the Malicious Power of his Enemies Desired these Words to be engraven on his Tomb Stone: Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water. Feb 24 1821

The air I breathe in a room empty of you is unhealthy.

In passing however I must say of one thing that has pressed upon me lately and encreased my Humility and capability of submission and that is this truth - Men of Genius are great as certain ethereal Chemicals operating on the Mass of neutral intellect - but they have not any individuality, any determined Character - I would call the top and head of those who have a proper self Men of Power.

Everything that reminds me of her goes through me like a spear.

I would have borne it as I would bear death if fate was in that humour: but I should as soon think of choosing to die as to part from you.

Call the world, if you please, the vale of Soul-making. Then you will find out the use of the world.