An Author (n.) who is a poor wretch sits trembling lest someone disturb a thought in its favorable instant; I fear nothing, knowing what is better than the happiest conceit and more precious than any secret shared with a pen.
An Author (n.) is a young talker the editor has seduced: he no longer sighs or talks for the joy of it; he sits pale and cold in his study, neither smiling nor weeping — for he is an author, and no longer young.
An Author (n.) who is true never asks whether he will find a reader or accomplish anything by his book; he is intent only on apprehending the truth — and accomplishes no less.
An Author (n.) like me is, in all honesty, a king without a country.
An Author (n.) who works by indirection must spend two-thirds of his strength confusing, working against himself and weakening his own impression, which is why his time comes only after he is dead.
An Author (n.) is often a mere x in our age, even with his name signed, speaking to thousands while unseen, so no one can test his life against his message.