The Wits and Beaux of Society, Volume 2

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Harper, 1861 - 481 pages

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Page 16 - A man so various that he seemed to be Not one, but all mankind's epitome : Stiff in opinions, always in the wrong, Was everything by starts and nothing long ; But in the course of one revolving moon Was chymist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon ; Then all for women, painting, rhyming, drinking, Besides ten thousand freaks that died in thinking.
Page 145 - Thus with each gift of Nature and of art, And wanting nothing but an honest heart; Grown all to all, from no one vice exempt, And most contemptible, to shun contempt...
Page 164 - And just abandoning th' ungrateful stage: Unprofitably kept at Heaven's expense, I live a rent-charge on his providence: But you, whom every muse and grace adorn, Whom I foresee to better fortune born, Be kind to my remains; and oh defend, Against your judgment, your departed friend! Let not the insulting foe my fame pursue; But shade those laurels which descend to you: And take for tribute what these lines express; You merit more; nor could my love do less.
Page 25 - Blest madman, who could every hour employ With something new to wish or to enjoy...
Page 217 - When upon some slight encouragement I first visited your Lordship, I was overpowered like the rest of mankind by the enchantment of your address, and could not forbear to wish that I might boast myself le vainqueur du vainqueur de la terre...
Page 91 - Here lies our Sovereign Lord the King, Whose word no man relies on ; Who never said a foolish thing, And never did a wise one.
Page 313 - The next time Mr. Selwyn calls, show him up. If I am alive, I shall be delighted to see him ; and if I am dead, he will be glad to see me.
Page 217 - Dictionary is recommended to the public, were written by your lordship. To be so distinguished, is an honour, which, being very little accustomed to favours from the great, I know not well how to receive, or in what terms to acknowledge. When, upon some slight encouragement, I first visited your lordship, I was over-powered, like the rest of mankind, by the enchantment of your address, and could not forbear to wish that I might boast myself...
Page 106 - To all you ladies now on land, We men at sea indite ; But first would have you understand How hard it is to write : The muses now, and Neptune too, We must implore to write to you.
Page 191 - Now high, now low, now master up, now miss, And he himself one vile antithesis. Amphibious thing ! that acting either part, The trifling head or the corrupted heart, Fop at the toilet, flatterer at the board, Now trips a lady, and now struts a lord.

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