Oliver Goldsmith

I find you want me to furnish you with argument and intellects
too. No, sir, these, I protest you, read more

I find you want me to furnish you with argument and intellects
too. No, sir, these, I protest you, are too hard for me.

Cheerful at morn he wakes from short repose,
Breathes the keen air, and carols as he goes.

Cheerful at morn he wakes from short repose,
Breathes the keen air, and carols as he goes.

Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
read more

Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
Till his relish grown callous, almost to displease,
Who pepper'd the highest was surest to please.

Life has been compared to a race, but the allusion improves by observing, that the most swift are usually the read more

Life has been compared to a race, but the allusion improves by observing, that the most swift are usually the least manageable and the most likely to stray from the course. Great abilities have always been less serviceable to the possessors than moderate ones.

Where wealth and freedom reign, contentment fails,
And honour sinks where commerce long prevails.

Where wealth and freedom reign, contentment fails,
And honour sinks where commerce long prevails.