Passion makes idiots of the cleverest men, and makes the biggest idiots clever.

Passion makes idiots of the cleverest men, and makes the biggest idiots clever.

And you, brave Cobham! to the latest breath
Shall feel your ruling passion strong in death.

And you, brave Cobham! to the latest breath
Shall feel your ruling passion strong in death.

Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently. For in the very read more

Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently. For in the very torrent, tempest, and as I may say, whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness.

Search then the ruling passion; there alone,
The wild are constant, and the cunning known;
The fool read more

Search then the ruling passion; there alone,
The wild are constant, and the cunning known;
The fool consistent, and the false sincere;
Priests, princes, women, no dissemblers here.

Filled with fury, rapt, inspir'd.

Filled with fury, rapt, inspir'd.

If we resist our passions it is more from their weakness than
from our strength.

If we resist our passions it is more from their weakness than
from our strength.

Fountain-heads and pathless groves,
Places which pale passion loves!

Fountain-heads and pathless groves,
Places which pale passion loves!

The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his read more

The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.

The seas are quiet when the winds give o'er;
So calm are we when passions are no more!

The seas are quiet when the winds give o'er;
So calm are we when passions are no more!