Sydney Smith

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but the attempt of the Lords
to stop the progress of reform, read more

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but the attempt of the Lords
to stop the progress of reform, reminds me very forcibly of the
great storm of Sidmouth, and of the conduct of the excellent Mrs.
Partington on that occasion. In the winter of 1824, there set in
a great flood upon that town--the tide rose to an incredible
height: the waves rushed in upon the houses, and everything was
threatened with destruction. In the midst of this sublime and
terrible storm, Dame Partington, who lived upon the beach, was
seen at the door of her house with mop and pattens, trundling her
mop, squeezing out the sea water, and vigorously pushing away the
Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused. Mrs. Partington's
spirit was up; but I need not tell you that the contest was
unequal. The Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington. She was
excellent at a slop or a puddle, but she should not have meddled
with a tempest.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals.

Good friends are good for your health.

Good friends are good for your health.

My living in Yorkshire was so far out of the way, that it was
actually twelve miles from a read more

My living in Yorkshire was so far out of the way, that it was
actually twelve miles from a lemon.

What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?

What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?