American poet, writer and critic Mark Van Doren (1894-1982) was a professor of English at Columbia University for nearly 40 years, and taught many students who would later be famous writers. Van Doren said in Joy of Being Serious; Address presented at the New Year convocation for students, University of Illinois (1963):
 
“I am asking you, in brief, not only to be serious but to enjoy being serious. To bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be the king.”
 
“Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be the king” became a popular quotation.
 
 
Wikipedia: Mark Van Doren
Mark Van Doren (June 13, 1894 – December 10, 1972) was an American poet, writer and critic, apart from being a scholar and a professor of English at Columbia University for nearly 40 years, where he inspired a generation of influential writers and thinkers including Thomas Merton, Robert Lax, John Berryman, Whittaker Chambers, and Beat Generation writers such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. He was literary editor of The Nation, in New York City (1924–28), and its film critic, 1935 to 1938.
 
He won the 1940 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for Collected Poems 1922–1938.
   
Google Books
Joy of Being Serious;
Address presented at the New Year convocation for students, University of Illinois
By Mark Van Doren
Urbana, Champaig, IL
1963
Pg. 9:
Nothing is more strenuous, and nothing is more fun. I am asking you, in brief, not only to be serious but to enjoy being serious. To bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be the king.
       
19 October 1964, Philadelphia (PA) Daily News, pg. 25, col. 3:
Talking Point
“Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be king.”
—MARK VAN DOREN
 
Google Books
Strategic Planning for Public Managers
By James L. Mercer
Westport, CT: Quorum Books
1991
Pg. 71:
Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be King. —Mark Van Doren
 
Google Books
Reader’s Digest Quotable Quotes:
Wit and Wisdom for Every Occasion from America’s Most Popular Magazine
By the Reader’s Digest Association.
Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest
1997
Pg. 135:
Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be the king. — MARK VAN DOREN
 
Google Books
Making Great Decisions in Business and Life
By David R. Henderson and Charles L. Hooper
Chicago Park, CA: Chicago Park Press
2006
Pg. 123:
Welcome all ideas and entertain them royally, for one of them may be king. — Mark Van Doren
 
Google Books
Breakthrough Power for Leaders:
A Daily Guide to an Extraordinary Life
By David Young
Round ROck, TX: Wind Runner Press
2011
Pg. 154:
Seize the summits
Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be the king.
—Mark van Doren
 
Twitter
TheQuoteTree‏
@quotree
Bring ideas in and entertain them royally, for one of them may be the king. #MarkVanDoren #dailyquote
10:45 AM - 2 May 2017