What is a modern poet's fate?

To write his thoughts upon a slate;

The critic spits on what is done,

Gives it a wipe and all is gone.

Thomas Hood

...all true fame...is to be acquired only by noble deeds and high achievements and the establishment of a character founded upon the principles of truth, uprightness, and inflexible integrity.

Alexander H Stephens

And he gave it for his opinion, that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.

Jonathan Swift

A blessed thing it is for any man or woman to have a friend, one human soul whom we can trust utterly, who knows the best and worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults.

Charles Kingsley

If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.

Arabic proverb