Word: excess
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Dates: during 1873-1873
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...undeniable that a certain amount of figurative language is beautiful in a poem; indeed, if used with taste and skill, it may constitute the poem itself; but how much more true feeling there is in a sentiment when plainly and simply expressed, than when it is encumbered with an excess of figurative language! For instance, compare the two expressions: "Wilt thou remember me?" and "Wilt thou preserve me in thy memory's shrine?" Who will question the superiority of the former? And is it not also more truly poetical...
...lack of common sense on the part of undergraduates to imagine that they would overstep the bounds of propriety in this line. Collegians generally have too high a regard for the feelings of others to commit themselves in that manner. Of course the thing can be carried to excess; so can everything else. It is as a means of toning down a too flashy style, or of pointing out in a pleasant way one's faults, and perhaps even of criticising in some degree his manners, that it is sanctioned...