The Works of the English Poets: With Prefaces, Biographical and Critical, 6–7. köide

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Samuel Johnson
C. Bathurst, 1779
 

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Page 8 - For rhetoric, he could not ope His mouth, but out there flew a trope; And when he happened to break off I...
Page 187 - In times of peace, an Indian, Not out of malice, but mere zeal, Because he was an infidel, The mighty...
Page 14 - Although by woful proof we find They always leave a scar behind. He knew the seat of paradise, Could tell in what degree it lies: And, as he was disposed, could prove it, Below the moon, or else above it. What Adam dreamt of when his bride Came from her closet in his side: Whether the Devil tempted her By a...
Page 28 - Still they are sure to be i' th' right. 'Tis a dark lantern of the Spirit, Which none see by but those that bear it ; A light that falls down from on high, For spiritual trades to cozen by ; An ignis fatuus, that bewitches, And leads men into pools and ditches...
Page 318 - tis a greater mystery in the art Of painting to foreshorten any part, Than draw it out ; so 'tis in books the chief Of all perfections to be plain and brief.
Page 9 - Twas English cut on Greek and Latin, Like fustian heretofore on satin ; It had an odd promiscuous tone, As if h' had talk'd three parts in one ; Which made some think, when he did gabble, Th' had heard three labourers of Babel, Or Cerberus himself pronounce A leash of languages at once.
Page 18 - His tawny beard was th' equal grace Both of his wisdom and his face ; In cut and dye so like a tile, A sudden view it would beguile ; The upper part whereof was whey, The nether orange, mix'd with gray.
Page 185 - Why should not Conscience have vacation As well as other courts o' th' nation ; Have equal power to adjourn, Appoint appearance and return...
Page 11 - He understood b' implicit faith; 130 Whatever sceptic could inquire for, For every why he had a wherefore ; Knew more than forty of them do, As far as words and terms could go; All which he understood by rote, And, as occasion...
Page 15 - For he was of that stubborn crew Of errant saints, whom all men grant To be the true church militant ; Such as do build their faith upon The holy text of pike and gun ; Decide all controversies by Infallible artillery ; And prove their doctrine orthodox By apostolic blows and knocks...

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