"And what holds good of verse holds infinitely better in respect to prose"

The quote "And what holds good of verse holds infinitely better in respect to prose" by James Payn recommends that certain concepts or qualities valued in poetry are much more helpful or significant in prose writing.

To interpret this, we initially require to consider the attributes typically related to verse, or poetry. Poetry typically values elements such as rhythm, conciseness, emotional depth, vibrant images, and the capability to convey complex ideas succinctly. These qualities are vital in verse due to the fact that the form generally limits space and demands higher precision in language to stimulate desired emotions and meanings in the reader.

By stating these qualities "hold definitely much better in respect to prose", Payn suggests that while poetry demands these characteristics due to its type, they become much more helpful when used to prose. Prose, that includes forms like books, essays, narratives, and speeches, often allows for more extensive expression than poetry. However, this extremely expansiveness can often cause verbosity or a lack of clearness and engagement. Payn seems to advocate for borrowing from poetry's precision, strength, and efficacy to enhance prose writing.

For instance, using brilliant imagery in prose can improve descriptions, making scenes more vivid and interesting for the reader. The rhythmic qualities of poetry, when applied to prose, can improve the flow and readability of the text, maintaining the reader's interest. Emotional depth and thoughtful conciseness can make prose more impactful, guaranteeing that the message resonates without unneeded elaboration.

In summary, Payn's quote shows the idea that prose can benefit significantly from the mindful craftsmanship often required by poetry. By embracing a poet's diligence in choosing words and structuring sentences, prose can reach new levels of clearness, power, and beauty.