14 quotes
One self-approving hour whole years out-weighs
Of stupid starers and of loud huzzas.
Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.
The Rape of the Lock (1712)
Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be.
An Essay on Criticism (1709)
Of Manners gentle, of Affections mild;
In Wit, a Man; Simplicity, a Child.
Epitaph on Gay (1733)
With too much Quickness ever to be taught;
With too much Thinking to have common Thought.
What then remains, but well our power to use,
And keep good-humor still whate'er we lose?
And trust me, dear, good-humor can prevail,
When airs, and flights, and screams, and scolding fail.
The Rape of the Lock (1712)
From loveless youth to unrespected age,
No passion gratified, except her rage,
So much the fury still outran the wit,
That pleasure miss'd her, and the scandal hit.
Good-humor only teaches charms to last,
Still makes new conquests and maintains the past.
True, conscious Honour is to feel no sin,
He's arm'd without that's innocent within;
Be this thy screen, and this thy wall of Brass.
Beauty that shocks you, parts that none will trust,
Wit that can creep, and pride that licks the dust.
A prudent Chief not always must display
His Pow'rs in equal Ranks, and fair Array,
But with th' Occasion and the Place comply,
Conceal his Force, nay seem sometimes to Fly.
Some scruple rose, but thus he eas'd his thought,
"I'll now give sixpence where I gave a groat;
Where once I went to church, I'll now go twice—
And am so clear too of all other vice."
Let Joy or Ease, let Affluence or Content,
And the gay Conscience of a life well spent,
Calm ev'ry thought, inspirit ev'ry grace,
Glow in thy heart, and smile upon thy face.
What Conscience dictates to be done,
Or warns me not to do;
This teach me more than Hell to shun,
That more than Heav'n pursue.