56 quotes
Such labour'd nothings, in so strange a style,
Amaze th' learn'd, and make the learned smile.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
With him most authors steal their works, or buy;
Garth did not write his own Dispensary.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Some positive persisting fops we know,
Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so;
But you with pleasure own your errors past,
And make each day a critique on the last.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
In every work regard the writer's End,
Since none can compass more than they intend;
And if the means be just, the conduct true,
Applause, in spite of trivial faults, is due.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Thus when we view some well-proportion'd dome,
* * * * * *
No single parts unequally surprise,
All comes united to th' admiring eyes.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Led by the light of the Mæonian star.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
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.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring;
Their shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.
An Essay on Criticism (1711)
What woful stuff this madrigal would be,
In some starv'd hackney sonneteer or me!
But let a lord once own the happy lines,
How the wit brightens! how the style refines.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
All seems Infected that th' Infected spy,
As all looks yellow to the Jaundic'd Eye.
An Essay on Criticism (1711)
So by false learning is good sense defac'd;
Some are bewilder'd in the maze of schools,
And some made coxcombs Nature meant but fools.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
A little Learning is a dang'rous Thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring:
There shallow Draughts intoxicate the Brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit,
For works may have more wit than does 'em good,
As bodies perish through excess of blood.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
A perfect Judge will read each work of Wit
With the same spirit that its author writ:
Survey the Whole, nor seek slight faults to find
Where nature moves, and rapture warms the mind.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
So modern 'pothecaries, taught the art
By doctor's bills to play the doctor's part,
Bold in the practice of mistaken rules,
Prescribe, apply, and call their masters fools.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
In Words, as Fashions, the same Rule will hold;
Alike Fantastick, if too New, or Old;
Be not the first by whom the New are try'd,
Nor yet the last to lay the Old aside.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)