“The critics generally consider a tragedy as the next effort of the mind to an epic poem.”

— Horace Walpole, Walpoliana, 'Tragedy and Comedy', p. 153

About Horace Walpole

1717 – 1797

English writer and politician, author of "The Castle of Otranto" and a prolific correspondent.

“The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feel.”

“It always amazes me, when I reflect on the women, who are the first to propagate scandal of one another.”

“It appears to me as odd to write to you of St. Peter's, as it would do to you to write of Westminster-abbey.”

“It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”

“Peace can endure only so long as humanity really insists upon it, and is willing to work for it—and sacrifice for it.”

“No thoroughly occupied man was ever yet very miserable.”

“Any one thing in the creation is sufficient to demonstrate a Providence to an humble and grateful mind.”

“Why, what is weeping and sighing? A judgement. What is misfortune? A judgement.”

“For God made all mankind to be happy, to be serene.”