"Those whom the appearance of virtue, or the evidence of genius, have tempted to a nearer knowledge of the writer in whose performances they may be found, have indeed had frequent reason to repent their curiosity; the bubble that sparkled before them has become common water at the touch, the phantom of perfection has vanished when they wished to press it to their bosom. They have lost the pleasure of imagining how far humanity may be exalted, and, perhaps, felt themselves less inclined to toil up the steeps of virtue, when they observe those who seem best able to point the way, loitering below, as either afraid of the labor, or doubtful of the reward.

  A sudden intruder into the closet of an author would perhaps feel equal indignation as with the officer, who having long solicited admission into the presence of Sardanapalus, (a militarily powerful, highly efficient and scholarly ruler, presiding over the largest empire the world had yet seen.)

saw him not consulting upon laws, or inquiring into grievances, or modeling armies, but employed in feminine amusements, and directing the ladies in their work." 

Samuel Johnson.