WednesdayFeb 25, 2026
Quotes: 53419 Authors: 9969
Genius is independent of situation.
With curious art the brain, too finely wrought, preys on herself, and is destroyed by thought.
Wise fear, you know, Forbids the robbing of a foe; But what, to serve our private ends, forbids the cheating of our friends?
Just to the windward of the law.
It can't be Nature, for it is not sense.
Apt alliteration's artful aid.
But, spite of all the criticising elves, Those who would make us feel—must feel themselves.
Be England what she will, With all her faults she is my country still.
Men the most infamous are fond of fame, And those who fear not guilt yet start at shame.
He mouths a sentence as curs mouth a bone.
Nor waste their sweetness in the desert air.
No statesman e'er will find it worth his pains To tax our labours and excise our brains.
Wherever waves can roll, and winds can blow.
There webs were spread of more than common size, And half-starved spiders prey'd on half-starved flies.
Who to patch up his fame, or fill his purse, Still pilfers wretched plans, and makes them worse; Like gypsies, lest the stolen brat be known, Defacing first, then claiming for his own.
Greatly his foes he dreads, but more his friends; He hurts me most who lavishly commends.
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