James Thomson Quotes

So stands the statue that enchants the world,
So bending tries to veil the matchless boast,
The mingled beauties of exulting Greece.

But yonder comes the powerful king of day,
Rejoicing in the east.

O Sophonisba! Sophonisba, O!

Plac'd far amid the melancholy main.

There studious let me sit,
And hold high converse with the mighty dead.

But what most showed the vanity of life
Was to behold the nations all on fire.

An elegant sufficiency, content,
Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books,
Ease and alternate labour, useful life,
Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven!

Whoe'er amidst the sons
Of reason, valour, liberty, and virtue
Displays distinguish'd merit, is a noble
Of Nature's own creating.

And Mecca saddens at the long delay.

For still the world prevail'd, and its dread laugh,
Which scarce the firm philosopher can scorn.

The meek-ey'd Morn appears, mother of dews.

They who are pleased themselves must always please.

Shade, unperceiv'd, so softening into shade.

He ceased; but still their trembling ears retained
The deep vibrations of his witching song.

Ships dim-discovered dropping from the clouds.