I couldn't write four lines in verse, no, not to save me from being shot.

A man cannot have all the advantages of life.

Who would not be poor if he could be sure of possessing genius, and winning fame and immortality, sir?
Think of Dr.Johnson, what a genius he had, and where did he live?
In apartments that, I daresay, were no better than these, which, I am sure, gentlemen, are most cheerful and pleasant," says the Colonel, thinking he had offended us.

"One of the great pleasures and delights which I had proposed to myself on coming home was to be allowed to have the honour of meeting with men of learning and genius, with wits, poets, and historians, if I may be so fortunate; and of benefiting by their conversation.

I left England too young to have that privilege.
In my father's house money was thought of, I fear, rather than intellect; neither he nor I had the opportunities which I wish you to have; and I am surprised you should think of reflecting upon Mr.
Pendennis's poverty, or of feeling any sentiment but respect and admiration when you enter the apartments of the poet and the literary man.