Samuel Butler

True as the dial to the sun,
Although it be not shin'd upon.

True as the dial to the sun,
Although it be not shin'd upon.

For rhetoric, he could not ope
His mouth, but out there flew a trope.

For rhetoric, he could not ope
His mouth, but out there flew a trope.

It has been said that although God cannot alter the past, historians can --it is perhaps because they can be read more

It has been said that although God cannot alter the past, historians can --it is perhaps because they can be useful to Him in this respect that He tolerates their existence.

Nick Machiavel had ne'er a trick
(Though he gave his name to our Old Nick).

Nick Machiavel had ne'er a trick
(Though he gave his name to our Old Nick).

The worst of rebels never arm
To do their king or country harm,
But draw their swords read more

The worst of rebels never arm
To do their king or country harm,
But draw their swords to do them good,
As doctors cure by letting blood.