Sunday, November 09, 2008

Alexander Pope quotes

In preparing for a U3A program on Handel's Semele, written in 1743 to a William Congreve 1708 libretto, supplemented by contributions by Alexander Pope, I came across this page of quotes, and would like to share these ones which tickled my fancy:
To err is human; to forgive, divine.
There is a certain majesty in simplicity which is far above all the quaintness of wit.
Amusement is the happiness of those who cannot think.
It is with our judgments as with our watches; no two go just alike, yet each believes his own.
One who is too wise an observer of the business of others, like one who is too curious in observing the labor of bees, will often be stung for his curiosity.
Nature and Nature's laws lay hid in night. God said, "Let Newton be!" and all was light.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring

1 comment:

Bernard Sell said...

The Link attach'd will take thee to a site
That mimicks Pope in all it dares to Write.
Tho' Wit and Judgement far behind are left,
It's hoped that Pope thy Cholick Mood will heft.
Of cult'ral Topicks high and low it sings;
Pierian Springs and You Tube Things it clings.
So, fly to Valley of the Shadwells soon--
Thy clicks, my woful Hackny couplets' boon!