George Gordon Noel Byron ( 10 of 329 )
Farce follow'd Comedy, and reach'd her prime.
In ever-laughing Foote's fantastic time;
Mad wag! who pardon'd none, read more
Farce follow'd Comedy, and reach'd her prime.
In ever-laughing Foote's fantastic time;
Mad wag! who pardon'd none, nor spared the best,
And turn'd some very serious things to jest.
Nor church nor state escaped his public sneers,
Arms nor the gown, priests, lawyers, volunteers;
"Alas, poor Yorick!" now forever mute!
Whoever loves a laugh must sigh for Foote.
We smile, perforce, when histrionic scenes
Ape the swoln dialogue of kings and queens,
When "Chrononhotonthelogos must die,"
And Arthur struts in mimic majesty.
Modesty is the only sure bait when you are fishing for praise.
Modesty is the only sure bait when you are fishing for praise.
Think not I am what I appear.
Think not I am what I appear.
This is to be along; this, this is solitude!
This is to be along; this, this is solitude!
So well she acted all and every part
By turns--with that vivacious versatility,
Which many people take read more
So well she acted all and every part
By turns--with that vivacious versatility,
Which many people take for want of heart.
They err--'tis merely what is call'd mobility,
A thing of temperament and not of art,
Though seeming so, from its supposed facility;
And false--though true; for surely they're sincerest
Who are strongly acted on by what is nearest.
The best of prophets of the future is the past.
The best of prophets of the future is the past.
Be hypocritical, be cautious, be
Not what you seem but always what you see.
Be hypocritical, be cautious, be
Not what you seem but always what you see.
The power of Thought,--the magic of the Mind!
The power of Thought,--the magic of the Mind!
These two hated with a hate
Found only on the stage.
These two hated with a hate
Found only on the stage.
As good as a play.
As good as a play.
