Whate'er is well conceived is clearly said, And the words to say it flow with ease.

Whatever we well understand we express clearly, and words flow with ease.

But satire, ever moral, ever new, Delights the reader and instructs him, too. She, if good sense refine her sterling page, Oft shakes some rooted folly of the age.

Of all the animals which fly in the air, walk on the land, or swim in the sea, from Paris to Peru, from Japan to Rome, the most foolish animal in my opinion is man.

It is in vain a daring author thinks of attaining to the heights of Parnassus if he does not feel the secret influence of heaven and if his natal star has not formed him to be a poet.

Happy who in his verse can gently steer, From grave to light, from pleasant to severe.

Whate'er is well conceived is clearly said, And the words to say it flow with ease.