On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.

On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.

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.

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.

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.

Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit read more

Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit in pompous words express'd,
Is like a clown in regal purple dress'd.

As good be out of the World as out of the Fashion.

As good be out of the World as out of the Fashion.

Obscurity is the realm of error.
[Fr., L'obscurite est le royaume de l'erreur.]

Obscurity is the realm of error.
[Fr., L'obscurite est le royaume de l'erreur.]

He is only fanastical that is not in fashion.

He is only fanastical that is not in fashion.

So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.

So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.