Matthew Prior

When Croft's "Life of Dr. Young" was spoken of as a good
imitation of Dr. Johnson's style, "No, no," read more

When Croft's "Life of Dr. Young" was spoken of as a good
imitation of Dr. Johnson's style, "No, no," said he, "it is not a
good imitation of Johnson; it has all his pomp without his force;
it has all the nodosities of the oak, without its strength; it
has all the contortions of the sibyl, without the inspiration."

Let him be kept from paper, pen, and ink;
So may he cease to write, and learn to think.

Let him be kept from paper, pen, and ink;
So may he cease to write, and learn to think.

They always talk who never think, and who have the least to say.

They always talk who never think, and who have the least to say.

Ev'n so, with all submission, I
. . . .
Send you each year a homely letter,
read more

Ev'n so, with all submission, I
. . . .
Send you each year a homely letter,
Who may return me much a better.

Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate,
Swift without violence, without terror great.

Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate,
Swift without violence, without terror great.