“It is declaring against the most charming power of imagination, the most exalting force of thought, the most affecting touch of sentiment.”

Contempt of poetry treated as contempt of imagination itself · Preface to Winter, 1726

• Imagination
• Poetry
• Thought

“As this poem grew up under your encouragement, it has therefore a natural claim to your patronage.”

Patronage framed as the natural consequence of encouragement · Dedication letter of Spring to the Countess of Hertford, 1728

• Gratitude
• Patronage
• Poetry

“Where can we meet with such variety, such beauty, such magnificence? All that enlarges and transports the soul?”

Nature presented as inexhaustible spectacle and enlargement of the mind · Preface to Winter, 1726

• Beauty
• Nature
• Wonder