If Epic Poetry Is A Definite Species,

That Is To Say, Epic Poetry Has Been Invented Many Times And Independently; But, As The Needs Which Prompted The Invention Have Been Broadly Similar, So The Invention Itself Has Been.

For The Stage Displays The First Vigorous Expression, As The Natural Thing And Without Conspicuous Restraint, Of Private Individuality.

If Epic Poetry Is A Definite Species, The Sagas Do Not Fall Within It.

The Epic Poet Has Behind Him A Tradition Of Matter And A Tradition Of Style; And That Is What Every Other Poet Has Behind Him Too; Only, For The Epic Poet, Tradition Is Rather Narrower, Rather More Strictly Compelling.

Poetry Is The Work Of Poets, Not Of Peoples Or Communities; Artistic Creation Can Never Be Anything But The Production Of An Individual Mind.