Mere poets are sottish as mere drunkards are, who live in a continual mist, without seeing or judging anything clearly. A man should be learned in several sciences, and should have a reasonable, philosophical and in some measure a mathematical head, to be a complete and excellent poet.

Few know the use of life before 'tis past.

The people's prayer, the glad diviner's theme, The young men's vision, and the old men's dream!

Sweet is pleasure after pain.

Keen appetite And quick digestion wait on you and yours.

For Art may err, but Nature cannot miss.

Discover the opinion of your enemies, which is commonly the truest; for they will give you no quarter, and allow nothing to complaisance.