John Dryden

Ill writers are usually the sharpest censors.

Ill writers are usually the sharpest censors.

The fool of nature stood with stupid eyes
And gaping mouth, that testified surprise.

The fool of nature stood with stupid eyes
And gaping mouth, that testified surprise.

A mob is the scum that rises upmost when the nation boils.

A mob is the scum that rises upmost when the nation boils.

Wit will shine
Through the harsh cadence of a rugged line.

Wit will shine
Through the harsh cadence of a rugged line.

At every close she made, th' attending throng
Replied, and bore the burden of the song:
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At every close she made, th' attending throng
Replied, and bore the burden of the song:
So just, so small, yet in so sweet a note,
It seemed the music melted in the throat.