Prognostics do not always prove prophecies, at least the wisest
prophets make sure of the event first.

Prognostics do not always prove prophecies, at least the wisest
prophets make sure of the event first.

There is a history in all men's lives,
Figuring the nature of the times deceased,
The which read more

There is a history in all men's lives,
Figuring the nature of the times deceased,
The which observed, a man may prophesy,
With a near aim, of the main chance of things
As yet not come to life, which in their seeds
And weak beginnings lie intreasured.

Till old experience do attain
To something like prophetic strain.

Till old experience do attain
To something like prophetic strain.

Of all the horrid, hideous notes of woe,
Sadder than owl-songs or the midnight blast;
Is that read more

Of all the horrid, hideous notes of woe,
Sadder than owl-songs or the midnight blast;
Is that portentous phrase, "I told you so."

My gran'ther's rule was safer 'n 't is to crow:
Don't never prophesy--onless ye know.

My gran'ther's rule was safer 'n 't is to crow:
Don't never prophesy--onless ye know.

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

A tunnel underneath the sea from Calais straight to Dover, Sir,
The squeamish folks may cross by land from read more

A tunnel underneath the sea from Calais straight to Dover, Sir,
The squeamish folks may cross by land from shore to shore,
With sluices made to drown the French, if e'er they would come
over, Sir,
Has long been talk'd of, till at length 'tis thought a monstrous
bore.

From hence, no question, has sprung an observation
. . . confirmed now into a settled opinion, that some read more

From hence, no question, has sprung an observation
. . . confirmed now into a settled opinion, that some long
experienced souls in the world, before their dislodging, arrive
to the height of prophetic spirit.

The prophet's mantle, ere his flight began,
Dropt on the world--a sacred gift to man.

The prophet's mantle, ere his flight began,
Dropt on the world--a sacred gift to man.