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.

The best argument is that which seems merely an explanation.

The best argument is that which seems merely an explanation.

Even if the committee carried the message in the exact words with no words missing, but left out the persuasion read more

Even if the committee carried the message in the exact words with no words missing, but left out the persuasion of gesture, the supplicating tone, and the beseeching looks which inform the words and give them life, where then were the power of the arguments and whom would it convince?

A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an
understanding.

I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an
understanding.

When Bishop Berkeley said "there was no matter."
And proved it--'t was no matter what he said.

When Bishop Berkeley said "there was no matter."
And proved it--'t was no matter what he said.

I am bound to furnish my antagonists with arguments, but not with
comprehension.

I am bound to furnish my antagonists with arguments, but not with
comprehension.

His conduct still right with his argument wrong.

His conduct still right with his argument wrong.

'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.

'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch,
For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.