A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

To strive with an equal is dangerous; with a superior, mad; with an inferior, degrading.

To strive with an equal is dangerous; with a superior, mad; with an inferior, degrading.

Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men
above ourselves; but to confirm and establish read more

Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men
above ourselves; but to confirm and establish our opinions, 'tis
best to argue with judgments below our own, that the frequent
spoils and victories over their reasons may settle in ourselves
an esteem and confirmed opinion of our own.

'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.

'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.

In arguing, too, the parson own'd his skill,
For even though vanquished he could argue still.

In arguing, too, the parson own'd his skill,
For even though vanquished he could argue still.

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.

Any fact is better established by two or three good testimonies than by a thousand arguments.

Any fact is better established by two or three good testimonies than by a thousand arguments.

Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heard great argument
About it and about: read more

Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heard great argument
About it and about: but evermore
Came out by the same door wherein I went.

The noble Lord (Stanley) was the Prince Rupert to the
Parliamentary army--his valour did not always serve his own read more

The noble Lord (Stanley) was the Prince Rupert to the
Parliamentary army--his valour did not always serve his own
cause.