Maxioms by Samuel Butler
Like men condemned to thunderbolts,
Who, ere the blow, become mere dolts.
Like men condemned to thunderbolts,
Who, ere the blow, become mere dolts.
His fear was greater than his haste:
For fear, though fleeter than the wind,
Believes 'tis always read more
His fear was greater than his haste:
For fear, though fleeter than the wind,
Believes 'tis always left behind.
As quick as lightning, in the breach
Just in the place where honour's lodged,
As wise philosophers read more
As quick as lightning, in the breach
Just in the place where honour's lodged,
As wise philosophers have judged,
Because a kick in that place more
Hurts honour than deep wounds before.
The worst of rebels never arm
To do their king or country harm,
But draw their swords read more
The worst of rebels never arm
To do their king or country harm,
But draw their swords to do them good,
As doctors cure by letting blood.
For trouts are tickled best in muddy water.
For trouts are tickled best in muddy water.
