For style beyond the genius never dares.
[Fr., Che stilo oltra l'ingegno non si stende.]

For style beyond the genius never dares.
[Fr., Che stilo oltra l'ingegno non si stende.]

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things

Fashion--a word which knaves and fools may use,
Their knavery and folly to excuse.

Fashion--a word which knaves and fools may use,
Their knavery and folly to excuse.

Nothing is thought rare
Which is not new, and follow'd; yet we know
That what was worn read more

Nothing is thought rare
Which is not new, and follow'd; yet we know
That what was worn some twenty years ago
Comes into grace again.

Nineties style isn't.

Nineties style isn't.

Only great minds can afford a simple style.

Only great minds can afford a simple style.

So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.

So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.

And as the French we conquer'd once,
Now give us laws for pantaloons,
The length of breeches read more

And as the French we conquer'd once,
Now give us laws for pantaloons,
The length of breeches and the gathers
Port-cannons, periwigs, and feathers.

Death my lord,
Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to 't
That sure th' have read more

Death my lord,
Their clothes are after such a pagan cut to 't
That sure th' have worn out Christendom.