Soft is the strain when zephyr gently blows, And the smooth stream in smoother numbers flows; But when loud surges lash the sounding shore, The hoarse rough verse should like the torrent roar. When Ajax strives some rock's vast weight to throw, The line too labours, and the words move slow: Not so when swift Camilla scours the plain, Flies o'er th' unbending corn, and skims along the main.

All chance, direction, which thou canst not see

No woman ever hates a man for being in love with her, but many a woman hate a man for being a friend to her.

The life of a wit is a warfare upon earth.

Where London's column, pointing at the skies, Like a tall bully, lifts the head, and lies.

Dogs, ye have had your day!

True Wit is Nature to advantage dress'd What oft was thought, but ne'er so well express'd; Something whose truth convinced at sight we find, That gives us back the image of our mind. As shades more sweetly recommend the light, So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit.