"Great men are rare, poets are rarer, but the great man who is a poet, transfiguring his greatness, is the rarest of all events"

This quote by John Drinkwater talks to the rarity of achievement, and the even greater rarity of a fantastic male who is also a poet. Drinkwater is suggesting that a great male who is also a poet is a special and unique event, one that is nearly impossible to find. He is indicating that a terrific man who is also a poet is capable of transforming his success into something much more powerful and significant. This is because a poet is able to reveal their achievement in a way that is both beautiful and extensive. Drinkwater is suggesting that an excellent man who is likewise a poet is an uncommon and unique event, one that is capable of transfiguring success into something much more effective and significant.