“Not long ago I began a poem in the style and stanza of Spenser, in which I propose to give full scope to my inclination, and be either droll or pathetic, descriptive or sentimental, tender or satirical, as the humour strikes me.”

Describing the flexible Spenserian form he chose for The Minstrel to suit varied moods and subjects · Letter to Thomas Blacklock

• Creativity
• Form
• Poetry

“The love of God ought continually to predominate in the mind, and give to every act of duty grace and animation.”

Holding that divine love should animate and elevate all moral duties · Elements of Moral Science

• Devotion
• Duty
• Faith

“Setting aside his merit as a poet, which, however, is greater in my opinion than any of his contemporaries can boast, in this or any other nation, I found him possessed of the most exact taste, the soundest judgment, and the most extensive learning.”

Praising Gray's conversation and learning beyond his poetry after meeting him · Letter to Sir William Forbes, on Thomas Gray

• Learning
• Poets
• Taste