Samuel Johnson Quote

Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.


In response to Hannah More wondering why Milton could write Paradise Lost but only poor sonnets. June 13, 1784, p. 542 - Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) - Vol IV


Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.

Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.

Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.

Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.