Oliver Goldsmith

Surely the best way to meet the enemy is head on in the field and not wait till they plunder read more

Surely the best way to meet the enemy is head on in the field and not wait till they plunder our very homes.

As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.

As a wit, if not first, in the very first line.

I have spent my life laboriously doing nothing.
[Lat., Vitam perdidi laboricose agendo.]

I have spent my life laboriously doing nothing.
[Lat., Vitam perdidi laboricose agendo.]

The dancing pair that simply sought renown,By holding out to tire each other down;The swain mistrustless of his smutted face,While read more

The dancing pair that simply sought renown,By holding out to tire each other down;The swain mistrustless of his smutted face,While secret laughter titter'd round the place;The bashful virgin's side-long looks of love,The matrons glance that would those looks reprove:These were thy charms, sweet village; sports like these,With sweet succession, taught e'en toil to please;These were thy bowers their cheerful influence shed,These were thy charms -- but all these charms are fled. - Deserted Village, The.

Alike all ages: dames of ancient days
Have led their children through the mirthful maze,
And the read more

Alike all ages: dames of ancient days
Have led their children through the mirthful maze,
And the gay grandsire, skill'd in gestic lore,
Has frisk'd beneath the burden of threescore.