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The nicest constitutions of government are often like the finest pieces of clock-work, which, depending on so many motions, are therefore more subject to be out of order.

Alexander Pope

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Alexander Pope
Age: 56 †
Born: 1688
Born: May 21
Died: 1744
Died: May 30
Literary Historian
Poet
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the City
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Alexander I Pope
Alexander
I Pope
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Therefore
Constitutions
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Nicest
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Motions
Often
Depending
Order
Finest
Government
Clock
Many
Subject
Work
Constitution

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The most positive men are the most credulous, since they most believe themselves, and advise most with their falsest flatterer and worst enemy--their own self-love.
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Authors are partial to their wit, 'tis true, But are not critics to their judgment, too?
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Search then the ruling passion: This clue, once found, unravels all the rest.
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Heav'n first taught letters for some wretch's aid, Some banish'd lover, or some captive maid.
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By flatterers besieged And so obliging that he ne'er obliged.
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A little learning is a dangerous thing Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.
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Poets heap virtues, painters gems, at will, And show their zeal, and hide their want of skill.
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I was not born for courts and great affairs, but I pay my debts, believe and say my prayers.
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On cold December fragrant chaplets blow, And heavy harvests nod beneath the snow.
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Content if hence th' unlearn'd their wants may view, The learn'd reflect on what before they knew.
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Nor in the critic let the man be lost.
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Not half so swift the trembling doves can fly, When the fierce eagle cleaves the liquid sky Not half so swiftly the fierce eagle moves, When thro' the clouds he drives the trembling doves.
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For wit and judgment often are at strife, Though meant each other's aid, like man and wife.
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By music minds an equal temper know, Nor swell too high, nor sink too low. . . . . Warriors she fires with animated sounds. Pours balm into the bleeding lover's wounds.
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The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd
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Who dare to love their country, and be poor.
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Not grace, or zeal, love only was my call, And if I lose thy love, I lose my all.
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Order is Heaven's first law and this confessed, some are, and must be, greater than the rest, more rich, more wise but who infers from hence that such are happier, shocks all common sense. Condition, circumstance, is not the thing bliss is the same in subject or in king.
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Of darkness visible so much be lent, as half to show, half veil, the deep intent.
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