Genealogies are admirable things, provided they do not encourage the curious delusion that some families are older than others.
W. H. AudenNo good opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.
W. H. AudenLovers have lived so long with giants and elves, they won't believe again in their own size.
W. H. AudenOur researchers into Public Opinion are content That he held the proper opinions for the time of year; When there was peace, he was for peace: when there was war, he went. He was married and added five children to the population, Which our Eugenist says was the right number for a parent of his generation, And our teachers report that he never interfered with their education. Was he free? Was he happy? The question is absurd: Had everything been wrong, we should certainly have heard.
W. H. Auden