It is easier to exclude harmful passions than to rule them, and to deny them admittance than to control them read more

It is easier to exclude harmful passions than to rule them, and to deny them admittance than to control them after they have been admitted.

And beauty, for confiding youth,
Those shocks of passion can prepare
That kill the bloom before its read more

And beauty, for confiding youth,
Those shocks of passion can prepare
That kill the bloom before its time,
And blanch, without the owner's crime,
The most resplendent hair.

Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently. For in the very read more

Nor do not saw the air too much with your hand, thus, but use all gently. For in the very torrent, tempest, and as I may say, whirlwind of passion, you must acquire and beget a temperance that may give it smoothness.

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

Only passions, great passions can elevate the soul to great things.

Only I discern
Infinite passion, and the pain
Of finite hearts that yearn.

Only I discern
Infinite passion, and the pain
Of finite hearts that yearn.

Every man without passions has within him no principle of action, nor motive to act.

Every man without passions has within him no principle of action, nor motive to act.

Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron read more

Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth it's spark.

The passions are like fire, useful in a thousand ways and dangerous only in one, through their excess.

The passions are like fire, useful in a thousand ways and dangerous only in one, through their excess.

And you, brave Cobham! to the latest breath
Shall feel your ruling passion strong in death.

And you, brave Cobham! to the latest breath
Shall feel your ruling passion strong in death.