Quote by Horace
The poets aim is either to profit or to please, or to blend in one the delightful and the useful. Whatever the lesson you would convey, be brief, that your hearers may catch quickly what is said and faithfully retain it. Every superfluous word is spilled from the too-full memory.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the purpose of poetry, stating that poets strive to either educate or entertain, or ideally, achieve a balance between both. It advocates for brevity in conveying the intended message so that the audience can readily understand and remember it. The quote suggests that unnecessary words only overload people's memories, prompting poets to refine their language and deliver concise teachings or enjoyable experiences.
By Horace
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