Samuel Butler

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.

Independence is essential for permanent but fatal to immediate success.

Independence is essential for permanent but fatal to immediate success.

In mathematics he was greater
Than Tycho Brahe, or Erra Pater;
For he, by geometric scale,
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In mathematics he was greater
Than Tycho Brahe, or Erra Pater;
For he, by geometric scale,
Could take the size of pots of ale.

Success, the mark no mortal wit,
Or surest hand, can always hit:
For whatsoe'er we perpetrate,
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Success, the mark no mortal wit,
Or surest hand, can always hit:
For whatsoe'er we perpetrate,
We do but row, we're steer'd by Fate,
Which in success oft disinherits,
For spurious causes, noblest merits.

He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still.

He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still.