And took for truth the test of ridicule.

And took for truth the test of ridicule.

Ridicule is the language of the devil.

Ridicule is the language of the devil.

It frequently happens that where the second line is sublime, the
third, in which he meant to rise still read more

It frequently happens that where the second line is sublime, the
third, in which he meant to rise still higher, is perfectly
bombast.

I believe they talked of me, for they laughed consumedly.

I believe they talked of me, for they laughed consumedly.

Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw read more

Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw no such virtue in a jest,
Truth was with her of ridicule the test.

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

Ridicule has historically proven itself a rickety fence for great ideas.

Ridicule has historically proven itself a rickety fence for great ideas.

Resort is had to ridicule only when reason is against us.

Resort is had to ridicule only when reason is against us.

The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step read more

The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step below the sublime
makes the ridiculous and one step above the ridiculous makes the
sublime again.