Alexander Pope ( 10 of 261 )
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.
Party is the madness of many, for the gains of a few.
Party is the madness of many, for the gains of a few.
He best can paint them who shall feel them most.
He best can paint them who shall feel them most.
How instinct varies in the grov'lling swine,
Compar'd, half-reasoning elephant, with thine!
'Twixt that and reason what read more
How instinct varies in the grov'lling swine,
Compar'd, half-reasoning elephant, with thine!
'Twixt that and reason what a nice barrier!
Forever sep'rate, yet forever near!
The bookful blockhead, ignorantly read,
With loads of learned lumber in his head.
The bookful blockhead, ignorantly read,
With loads of learned lumber in his head.
Envy, to which th' ignoble mind's a slave,
Is emulation in the learn'd or brave.
Envy, to which th' ignoble mind's a slave,
Is emulation in the learn'd or brave.
But see, Orion sheds unwholesome dews;
Arise, the pines a noxious shade diffuse;
Sharp Boreas blows, and read more
But see, Orion sheds unwholesome dews;
Arise, the pines a noxious shade diffuse;
Sharp Boreas blows, and nature feels decay,
Time conquers all, and we must time obey.
But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short read more
But honest instinct comes a volunteer; Sure never to o'er-shoot, but just to hit, While still too wide or short in human wit.
Like Cato, give his little senate laws,
And sit attentive to his own applause.
Like Cato, give his little senate laws,
And sit attentive to his own applause.
No question is ever settled
Until it is settled right.
No question is ever settled
Until it is settled right.