Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world
Legislation is properly the function of a representative body. It is defined as a body of laws. In a general sense, we may take it to be a code of conduct prescribed by the state. But in actual practice we find the codes of conduct prescribed by great men like Buddha and Jesus command a more popular acceptance than the rules framed by a representative body. The poets belong to the category of prophets like Buddha and Christ. Since their language is surcharged with emotion and since they appeal to popular sentiments, their influence is sometimes greater than even that of prophets. Some of them have brought about revolutions in human thoughts and actions. They are not acknowledged as legislators, but they have performed the function which legitimately belonged to the state.
