535 quotes
Th' embroider'd suit at least he deem'd his prey;
That suit an unpaid tailor snatch'd away.
But see how oft ambition's aims are cross'd,
And chiefs contend 'til all the prize is lost!
The Rape of the Lock (1712)
Here files of pins extend their shining rows,
Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billet-doux.
The Rape of the Lock (1712)
Pride, where Wit fails, steps in to our defence,
And fills up all the mighty void of sense.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Nor suffers Horace more in wrong translations
By wits, than critics in as wrong quotations.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Who ne'er knew joy but friendship might divide,
Or gave his father grief but when he died.
Epitaph on the Hon. S. Harcourt (1720)
Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Who pants for glory, finds but short repose;
A breath revives him, or a breath o'erthrows.
Order is Heaven's first law; and this confess,
Some are and must be greater than the rest.
In the nice bee, what sense so subtly true
From pois'nous herbs extracts the healing dew?
Where London's column, pointing at the skies,
Like a tall bully, lifts the head and lies.
Offend her, and she knows not to forgive;
Oblige her, and she'll hate you while you live.
And soften'd sounds along the waters die:
Smooth flow the waves, the zephyrs gently play.
The Rape of the Lock (1712)
Others import yet nobler arts from France,
Teach kings to fiddle, and make senates dance.
Bright as the sun her eyes the gazers strike,
And, like the sun, they shine on all alike.
The Rape of the Lock (1712)
There swims no goose so gray, but soon or late
She finds some honest gander for her mate.
Get place and wealth, if possible, with grace;
If not, by any means get wealth and place.
Avoid Extremes; and shun the fault of such
Who still are pleas'd too little or too much.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
From vulgar bounds with brave disorder part,
And snatch a grace beyond the reach of art.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
The varying verse, the full resounding line,
The long majestic march, and energy divine.