Part 42 (1/2)
I suppose all phrases of mere compliment have their turn to be true. A man is occasionally thankful when he says ”thank you.”
_Stephen Guest_, in GEORGE ELIOT's _Mill on the Floss_.
_ON ATALANTA._
When the young Greek for Atalanta sigh'd, He might have fool'd and follow'd till he died!
He learn'd the s.e.x, the bribe before her roll'd, And found, the short way to the heart, is--Gold.
GEORGE CROLY (1780-1860).
_De mortuis nil nisi bene_: of the living speak nothing but evil.
HEINRICH HEINE, _Thoughts and Fancies_.
I once met a man who had forgiven an injury.
I hope some day to meet the man who has forgiven an insult.
CHARLES BUXTON, _Notes of Thought_.
Walk in the Park--you'll seldom fail To find a Sybaris on the rail By Lydia's ponies, Or hap on Barrus, wigged, and stayed, Ogling some unsuspecting maid.
The great Gargilius, then, behold!
His ”long-bow” hunting tales of old Are now but duller; Fair Neobule too! Is not One Hebrus here--from Aldershot?
Aha, you colour!
Be wise. There old Canidia sits; No doubt she's tearing you to bits.
Here's Pyrrha, ”golden-haired” at will; Prig Damasippus, preaching still; Asterie flirting,-- Radiant, of course. We'll make her black,-- Ask her when Gyges' s.h.i.+p comes back.
AUSTIN DOBSON, _Vignettes in Rhyme_.
La reconnaissance de la plupart des hommes n'est qu'une secrete envie de recevoir de plus grands bienfaits.
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD, _Reflexions_.
The surest way to make ourselves agreeable to others is by seeming to think them so.
W. HAZLITT, _Characteristics_.
_SELF-EVIDENT._
When other lips and other eyes Their tales of love shall tell, Which means the usual sort of lies You've heard from many a swell; When, bored with what you feel is bosh, You'd give the world to see A friend whose love you know will wash, Oh, then remember me!
When Signor Solo goes his tours, And Captain Craft's at Ryde, And Lord Fitzpop is on the moors, And Lord knows who beside; When to exist you feel a task Without a friend at tea, At such a moment I but ask That you'll remember me.