252 quotes
The love of praise, howe'er conceal'd by art,
Reigns more or less, and glows, in ev'ry heart.
The love of praise, howe'er concealed by art,
Reigns more or less, and glows in ev'ry heart.
Love of Fame (1725)
We bleed, we tremble; we forget, we smile—
The mind turns fool, before the cheek is dry.
Nought treads so silent as the foot of Time;
Hence we mistake our autumn for our prime.
Thou art so witty, profligate and thin,
At once we think thee Satan, Death and Sin.
We nothing know, but what is marvellous;
Yet what is marvellous, we can't believe.
We see time’s furrows on another’s brow,
And death intrench’d, preparing his assault;
How few themselves in that just mirror see!
Night-Thoughts (1742)
The chamber where the good man meets his fate
Is privileged beyond the common walk
Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heaven.
When the Law shows her teeth, but dares not bite.
Love of Fame (1725)
Whose yesterdays look backwards with a smile.
Night-Thoughts (1742)
Tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep!
Night-Thoughts (1742)
Poor pensioner on the bounties of an hour.
Night-Thoughts (1742)
And waste their music on the savage race.
Love of Fame (1725)
What ardently we wish we soon believe.
Night-Thoughts (1742)
Procrastination is the thief of time.
Night-Thoughts (1742)
The man who consecrates his hours
By vig'rous effort and an honest aim,
At once he draws the sting of life and death;
He walks with nature and her paths are peace.
Wouldst thou be famed? have those high acts in view,
Brave men would act though scandal would ensue.
I grant the man is vain who writes for praise.
Praise no man e'er deserved who sought no more.
Woes cluster. Rare are solitary woes;
They love a train, they tread each other’s heel.
Night-Thoughts (1742)
In human hearts what bolder thoughts can rise,
Than man's presumption on to-morrow's dawn!
Where is to-morrow?