William Shenstone Quotes

A man of remarkable genius may afford to pass by a piece of wit, if it happens to border on abuse. A little genius is obliged to catch at every witticism indiscriminately.

A large, branching, aged oak, is perhaps the most venerable of all inanimate objects.

Let us be careful to distinguish modesty, which is ever amiable, from reserve, which is only prudent.

Sloth views the tow'rs of fame with envious eyes;
Desirous still, still impotent to rise.

Theirs is the present who can praise the past.

Let the gull'd fool the toil of war pursue,
Where bleed the many to enrich the few.

She pleas'd while distant, but, when near, she charm'd.

Whoe'er has travell'd life's dull round,
Where'er his stages may have been,
May sigh to think he still has found
The warmest welcome, at an inn.

I have found out a gift for my fair;
I have found where the wood-pigeons breed.

My banks they are furnish’d with bees,
Whose murmur invites one to sleep.

So sweetly she bade me adieu,
I thought that she bade me return.

For seldom shall she hear a tale
So sad, so tender, yet so true.

Perish the lover, whose imperfect flame
Forgets one feature of the nymph he lov'd.

I trimm'd my lamp, consumed the midnight oil.

Love is a pleasing, but a various clime!