M.K. Alexander Quotes

For I who hold sage Homer's rule the best Welcome the coming speed the going guest.

Thou wert my guide philosopher and friend.

Alive ridiculous and dead forgot?

The hungry judges soon the sentence sign and wretches hang that jurymen may dine.

A little learning is a dangerous thing Drink deep or taste not the Pierian spring Their shallow draughts intoxicate the brain And drinking largely sobers us again.

The vanity of human life is like a river constantly passing away and yet constantly coming on.

Nature and Nature's laws lay hid in night: God said "Let Newton be!" and all was light.

What dire offence from am'rous causes springs. What mighty contests rise from trivial things.

Know then thyself presume not God to scan The proper study of mankind is man.

Sickness is a sort of early old age it teaches us a diffidence in our earthly state.

Eve left Adam to meet the Devil in private.

Light quirks of music broken and uneven make the soul dance upon a jig of heaven.

Light quirks of music broken and uneven Make the soul dance upon a jig to Heav'n.

Blessed be he who expects nothing for he shall never be disappointed.

How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting by the world forgot.

Thus let me live unseen unknown Thus unlamented let me die Steal from the world and not a stone Tell where I lie.

An obstinate man does not hold opinions but they hold him.

Order is Heaven's first law.

Men would be angels angels would be gods.

The ruling passion be it what it will the ruling passion conquers reason still.

The ruling passion be it what it will The ruling passion conquers reason still.

Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see. Thinks what ne'er was nor is nor e'er shall be.

A man of business may talk of philosophy a man who has none may practise it.

Party-spirit . . . which at best is but the madness of many for the gain of a few.

All seems infected that the infected spy as all looks yellow to the jaundiced eye.

Hunger is insolent and will be fed.

Some praise at morning what they blame at night.

If I am right Thy grace impart Still in the right to stay If I am wrong O teach my heart To find that better way!

In pride in reas'ning pride our error lies All quit their sphere and rush into the skies. Pride still is aiming at the bless'd abodes Men would be angels angels would be gods.

He that would pun would pick a pocket.

The feast of reason and the flow of soul.

When one door closes another opens. But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us.

One truth is clear Whatever is is right.

Then marble soften'd into life grew warm.

The bookful blockhead ignorantly read With loads of learned lumber in his head.

Get place and wealth if possible with grace If not by any means get wealth and place.

Never elated while one man's oppress'd Never dejected while another's bless'd.

Not to go back is somewhat to advance. And men must walk at least before they dance.

Get place and wealth if possible with grace If not by any means get wealth and place.

All other goods by fortune's hand are given: A wife is the peculiar gift of Heav'n.

True wit is Nature to advantage dress'd What oft was thought but ne'er so well express'd.

True wit is nature to advantage dress'd What oft was thought but ne'er so well expressed.

Offend her and she knows not to forgive Oblige her and she'll hate you while you live.

They dream in courtship but in wedlock wake.

Worth makes the man and want of it the fellow The rest is all but leather and prunello.

We think our fathers fools so wise we grow Our wiser sons no doubt will think us so.

Whatever possession we gain by our sword cannot be sure or lasting, but the love gained by kindness and moderation is certain and durable.

Who does not desire such a victory by which we shall join places in our Kingdom, so far divided by nature, and for which we shall set up trophies in another conquered world?

Educate the masses, elevate their standard of intelligence, and you will certainly have a successful nation.

The bookful blockhead, ignorantly read, With loads of learned lumber in his head.