Samuel Butler

True as the dial to the sun,
Although it be not shin'd upon.

True as the dial to the sun,
Although it be not shin'd upon.

Sure 'tis an orthodox opinion,
That grace is founded in dominion.

Sure 'tis an orthodox opinion,
That grace is founded in dominion.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.

Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule.

For blocks are better cleft with wedges,
Tan tools of sharp or subtle edges,
And dullest nonsense read more

For blocks are better cleft with wedges,
Tan tools of sharp or subtle edges,
And dullest nonsense has been found
By some to be the most profound.

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.