Both these writers (being enemies) keep clear of the 'general thought' suggested by a friend, and accepted indeed by friendly and generous reviewers in the 'Atlas' and 'Daily News.' Therefore I feel perfectly unaggrieved by all the enemies' hard words.

They speak from their own point of view, and have a right to speak.
In fact, in printing the poems, I did not expect to help my reputation in England, but simply to deliver my soul, to get the relief to my conscience and heart, which comes from a pent-up word spoken or a tear shed.

Whatever I may have ever written of the least worth has represented a conviction in me, something in me felt as a truth.

I never wrote to please any of you, not even to please my own husband.

Every genuine artist in the world (whatever his degree) goes to heaven for speaking the truth.