Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
read more

Pretty! in amber to observe the forms
Of hairs, of straws, or dirt, or grubs, or worms!
The things, we know, are neither rich nor rare,
But wonder how the devil they got there.

If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical read more

If a man proves too clearly and convincingly to
himself . . . that a tiger is an optical illusion--well, he will
find out he is wrong. The tiger will himself intervene in the
discussion, in a manner which will be in every sense conclusive.

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing read more

Long stood the noble youth oppress'd with awe,
And stupid at the wondrous things he saw,
Surpassing common faith, transgressing nature's law.

This wonder lasted nine daies.

This wonder lasted nine daies.

Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer's cloud
Without our special wonder?

Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer's cloud
Without our special wonder?

Men love to wonder and that is the seed of our science.

Men love to wonder and that is the seed of our science.

Out of our reach the gods have laid
Of time to come th' event,
And laugh to read more

Out of our reach the gods have laid
Of time to come th' event,
And laugh to see the fools afraid
Of what the knaves invent.

She swore, i' faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange;
'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful.

She swore, i' faith, 'twas strange, 'twas passing strange;
'Twas pitiful, 'twas wondrous pitiful.

We nothing know, but what is marvellous;
Yet what is marvellous, we can't believe.

We nothing know, but what is marvellous;
Yet what is marvellous, we can't believe.