6 quotes
Man loves knowledge, and the beams of truth
More welcome touch his understanding's eye
Than all the blandishments of sound his ear,
Than all of taste his tongue.
The Pleasures of the Imagination (1744)
Such and so various are the tastes of men!
The Pleasures of the Imagination (1744)
Oft the hours
From morn to eve have stolen unmark'd away,
While mute attention hung upon his lips.
The Pleasures of the Imagination (1744)
Speak, ye, the pure delight, whose favour’d steps
The lamp of science, through the jealous maze
Of nature guides, when haply you reveal
Her secret honours.
The Pleasures of the Imagination (1744)
Others of graver mien; behold, adorn'd
With holy ensigns, how sublime they move,
And bending oft their sanctimonious eyes
Take homage of the simple-minded throng;
Ambassadors of heaven!
The Pleasures of the Imagination (1744)
Adieu, for him,
The dull engagements of the bustling world!
Adieu the sick impertinence of praise!
And hope, and action! for with her alone,
By streams and shades, to steal these sighing hours,
Is all he asks, and all that fate can give!
The Pleasures of the Imagination (1744)