Matthew Prior

When Croft's "Life of Dr. Young" was spoken of as a good
imitation of Dr. Johnson's style, "No, no," read more

When Croft's "Life of Dr. Young" was spoken of as a good
imitation of Dr. Johnson's style, "No, no," said he, "it is not a
good imitation of Johnson; it has all his pomp without his force;
it has all the nodosities of the oak, without its strength; it
has all the contortions of the sibyl, without the inspiration."

Bid the Devil take the slowest.

Bid the Devil take the slowest.

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest read more

When people once are in the wrong,
Each line they add is much too long;
Who fastest walks, but walks astray,
Is only furthest from his way.

I never strove to rule the roast,
She ne'er refus'd to pledge my toast.

I never strove to rule the roast,
She ne'er refus'd to pledge my toast.

Let me skim the water with one oar, and with the other touch
sand. [Go not out of your read more

Let me skim the water with one oar, and with the other touch
sand. [Go not out of your depth.]