Tell all the Truth but tell it slant---
Success in circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightening to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind---
-Emily Dickinson
And here is what she wrote to Higginson, apparently in response to his discouraging her about publishing her works:
I smile when you suggest that I delay "to publish" ---that being foreign to my thought, as Firmament to Fin.
If fame belonged to me, I could not escape her---if she did not, the longest day would pass me on the chase --- and the approbation of my Dog would forsake me --- then. My Barefoot-Rank is better.
You think my gait "spasmodic." I am in danger, Sir.
You think me "uncontrolled." I have no Tribunal. . . .
The Sailor cannot see the North, but knows the Needle can.
