I've heard old cunning stagers
Say, fools for arguments use wagers.

I've heard old cunning stagers
Say, fools for arguments use wagers.

Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear.

Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear.

"For your own good" is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction.

"For your own good" is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction.

Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men
above ourselves; but to confirm and establish read more

Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men
above ourselves; but to confirm and establish our opinions, 'tis
best to argue with judgments below our own, that the frequent
spoils and victories over their reasons may settle in ourselves
an esteem and confirmed opinion of our own.

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is read more

He'd undertake to prove, by force
Of argument, a man's no horse.
He'd prove a buzzard is no fowl,
And that a Lord may be an owl,
A calf an Alderman, a goose a Justice,
And rooks, Committee-men or Trustees.

In arguing, too, the parson own'd his skill,
For even though vanquished he could argue still.

In arguing, too, the parson own'd his skill,
For even though vanquished he could argue still.

In arguing one should meet serious pleading with humor, and humor
with serious pleading.

In arguing one should meet serious pleading with humor, and humor
with serious pleading.

Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.

Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.

Be calm in arguing; for fierceness makes
Error a fault, and truth discourtesy.

Be calm in arguing; for fierceness makes
Error a fault, and truth discourtesy.