Matthew Prior

They never taste who always drink;
They always talk who never think.

They never taste who always drink;
They always talk who never think.

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the read more

In vain I trusted that the flowing bowl
Would banish sorrow, and enlarge the soul.
To the late revel, and protracted feast,
Wild dreams succeeded, and disorder'd rest.

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.]

What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.

What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.

Though bitter, good medicine cures illness. Though it may hurt,
loyal criticism will have beneficial effects.

Though bitter, good medicine cures illness. Though it may hurt,
loyal criticism will have beneficial effects.