"True Wit is Nature to advantage dress'dWhat oft was thought, but ne'er so well express'd;Something whose truth convinced at sight we find,That gives us back the image of our mind.As shades more sweetly recommend the light,So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit."
"Music resembles poetry, in eachAre nameless graces which no methods teach,And which a master hand alone can reach."
"In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold;Alike fantastic, if too new, or old:Be not the first by whom the new are tried,Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."
"Words are like Leaves; and where they most abound,Much Fruit of Sense beneath is rarely found."
"Trust not yourself; but your defects to know,Make use of ev'ry friend—and ev'ry foe."
"Those half-learn'd witlings, num'rous in our isle As half-form'd insects on the banks of Nile"
"Most critics, fond of subservient artstill make the whole depend upon a part.They talk of principles, but notions prizeAnd all to one loved folly sacrifice."
"Some judge of authors' names, not works, and then nor praise nor blame the writings, but the men."