“Rhymes, meters, stanza forms, etc., are like servants. If the master is fair enough to win their affection and firm enough to command their respect, the result is an orderly happy household. If he is too tyrannical, they give notice; if he lacks authority, they become slovenly, impertinent, drunk and dishonest.”
Cite this quote
APA
Auden, W. H. (n.d.). Rhymes, meters, stanza forms, etc., are like servants. If the master is fair enough to win their affection and firm enough to command their respect, the result is an orderly happy household. If he is too tyrannical, they give notice; if he lacks authority, they become slovenly, impertinent, drunk and dishonest. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32742-rhymes-meters-stanza-forms-etc-are-like-servants/
MLA
Auden, W. H. “Rhymes, meters, stanza forms, etc., are like servants. If the master is fair enough to win their affection and firm enough to command their respect, the result is an orderly happy household. If he is too tyrannical, they give notice; if he lacks authority, they become slovenly, impertinent, drunk and dishonest.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32742-rhymes-meters-stanza-forms-etc-are-like-servants/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Auden, W. H. “Rhymes, meters, stanza forms, etc., are like servants. If the master is fair enough to win their affection and firm enough to command their respect, the result is an orderly happy household. If he is too tyrannical, they give notice; if he lacks authority, they become slovenly, impertinent, drunk and dishonest.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32742-rhymes-meters-stanza-forms-etc-are-like-servants/.