I had not time to lick it into form, as a bear doth her young ones

I had not time to lick it into form, as a bear doth her young ones

The quote "I had not time to lick it into form, as a bear doth her young ones" is a powerful and evocative statement that captures the essence of the creative process. This quote is attributed to Robert Burton, a 17th-century English scholar and writer best known for his work "The Anatomy of Melancholy." In this context, the quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the challenges and struggles that writers face in bringing their ideas to fruition.

To "lick it into form" suggests the act of refining and perfecting one's work, much like a bear grooming her young cubs. This process of revision and editing is essential in creating a polished and coherent piece of writing. However, the quote also implies a sense of urgency and pressure, as if the writer is racing against time to complete their work before it slips away.