Heinrich Heine

Following from Norm's posting of a great remark by Heine, here's another gem:

"I cannot promise you, dear reader, anything very captivating in the next chapter. If you become bored by the stupid stuff in it, console yourself by thinking of what a dreary time I must have had writing it! I would recommend that once in a while you skip several pages - for in that way, you will arrive much sooner at the end. Oh! How I wish I could do the same thing!"

I got it from an article in PMLA donkeys ago, from which the aforementioned blog takes its remarks.

Anyway, its a cracking quote and a lovely companion to the great Biff cartoon line of "You think it's difficult to read? You should try writing it!" (sadly this particular cartoon doesn't appear to be online but it sits on my noticeboard at home!)