Alexander Pope

In various talk th' instructive hours they past,
Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last;
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In various talk th' instructive hours they past,
Who gave the ball, or paid the visit last;
One speaks the glory of the British queen,
And one describes a charming Indian screen;
A third interprets motions, looks, and eyes;
At every word a reputation dies.

We conquered France, but felt our captive's charms,
Her arts victorious triumph'd o'er our arms.

We conquered France, but felt our captive's charms,
Her arts victorious triumph'd o'er our arms.

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering teach the rest to sneer;
Willing read more

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And without sneering teach the rest to sneer;
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,
Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike;
Alike reserv'd to blame, or to commend,
A tim'rous foe, and a suspicious friend.

Wretches hang that jurymen may dine.

Wretches hang that jurymen may dine.

And more than echoes talk along the walls.

And more than echoes talk along the walls.