Oft has it been my lot to mark
A proud, conceited, talking spark.

Oft has it been my lot to mark
A proud, conceited, talking spark.

It would talk;
Lord, how it talked!

It would talk;
Lord, how it talked!

In general those who nothing have to say
Contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.

In general those who nothing have to say
Contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.

Stop not, unthinking, every friend you meet
To spin your wordy fabric in the street;
While you read more

Stop not, unthinking, every friend you meet
To spin your wordy fabric in the street;
While you are emptying your colloquial pack,
The fiend Lumbago jumps upon his back.

Persuasion tips his tongue whene'er he talks.

Persuasion tips his tongue whene'er he talks.

A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he is talking about.

A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he is talking about.

But far more numerous was the herd of such,
Who think too little, and who talk too much.

But far more numerous was the herd of such,
Who think too little, and who talk too much.

He who talks much cannot always talk well.
[It., Chi parla troppo non puo parlar sempre bene.]

He who talks much cannot always talk well.
[It., Chi parla troppo non puo parlar sempre bene.]

I prithee take the cork out of thy mouth, that I may drink thy
tidings.

I prithee take the cork out of thy mouth, that I may drink thy
tidings.