“The Pronunciation is liquid and sonorous, and much fuller than the English, of which we are Masters, by being taught it in our Schools, and daily-reading it; which being added to all our own native Words, of eminent Significancy, makes our Tongue by far the completest: For Instance, I can say, an empty House, a toom Barrel, a boss Head, and a hollow Heart.”

Celebrating the richness and expressiveness of the Scots tongue · Preface to Poems, 1721

• Language
• Scotland
• Words

“I have naturally an Itch of Rhiming, which I gratify, sometimes for my own Satisfaction, and the Diversion of a few Intimates.”

On the irresistible impulse to write verse for pleasure · Advertisement to The Battel, 1716

• Creativity
• Pleasure
• Poetry

“Pursue your own natural Manner, and be an original.”

Urging authenticity and originality over imitation · Preface to Poems, 1721 (reporting advice of friends that he endorses)

• Authenticity
• Originality
• Poetry