Who Can Do Anything After Beethoven?

When I Wished To Sing Of Love, It Turned To Sorrow. And When I Wished To Sing Of Sorrow, It Was Transformed For Me Into Love.

I Never Force Myself To Be Devout Except When I Feel So Inspired, And Never Compose Hymns Of Prayers Unless I Feel Within Me Real And True Devotion.

I Try To Decorate My Imagination As Much As I Can.

Why Should The Composer Be More Guilty Than The Poet Who Warms To Fantasy By A Strange Flame, Making An Idea That Inspires Him The Subject Of His Own Very Different Treatment?

Approval Or Blame Will Follow In The World To Come.