Samuel Butler

Evil is like water, it abounds, is cheap, soon fouls, but runs itself clear of taint.

Evil is like water, it abounds, is cheap, soon fouls, but runs itself clear of taint.

'Tis true no lover has that pow'r
T' enforce a desperate amour,
As he that has two read more

'Tis true no lover has that pow'r
T' enforce a desperate amour,
As he that has two strings t' his bow,
And burns for love and money too.

Beside, he was a shrewd philosopher,
And had read ev'ry text and gloss over
Whate'er the crabbed'st read more

Beside, he was a shrewd philosopher,
And had read ev'ry text and gloss over
Whate'er the crabbed'st author hath,
He understood b' implicit faith.

You have a wrong sow by the ear.

You have a wrong sow by the ear.

Some have been beaten till they know
What wood a cudgel's of by th' blow:
Some kick'd read more

Some have been beaten till they know
What wood a cudgel's of by th' blow:
Some kick'd until they can feel whether
A shoe be Spanish or neat's leather.