The translators of the Bible were masters of an English style much fitter for that work than any we see in our present writings; the which is owing to the simplicity that runs through the whole. Jonathan Swift More Quotes by Jonathan Swift More Quotes From Jonathan Swift A secret is seldom safe in more than one breast. Jonathan Swift breasts safe secret It is in disputes as in armies, where the weaker side sets up false lights, and makes a great noise, to make the enemy believe them more numerous and strong than they really are. Jonathan Swift army strong believe I won't quarrel with my bread and butter. Jonathan Swift bread-and-butter quarrels bread It is likewise to be observed that this society hath a peculiar chant and jargon of their own, that no other mortal can understand, and wherein all their laws are written, which they take special care to multiply. Jonathan Swift peculiar special law A ridiculous passion which hath no being but in play-books and romances. Jonathan Swift passion love book All panegyrics are mingled with an infusion of poppy. Jonathan Swift poppies infusion praise Rebukes are easy from our betters, Jonathan Swift quality alive men If the world had but a dozen Arbuthnots in it, I would burn my Travels. Jonathan Swift gulliver science world Lord, Madame, I have fed like a farmer; I shall grow as fat as a porpoise. Jonathan Swift porpoises eating lord There is no quality so contrary to any nature which one cannot affect, and put on upon occasion, in order to serve an interest. Jonathan Swift deceit quality order Seamen have a custom, when they meet a whale, to fling him out an empty tub by way of amusement, to divert him from laying violent hands upon the ship. Jonathan Swift amusement whales hands By candle-light nobody would have taken you for above five-and-twenty. Jonathan Swift light taken age Few are qualified to shine in company, but it is in most men's power to be agreeable. Jonathan Swift good-nature shining men In all distresses of our friends We first consult our private ends; While Nature, kindly bent to ease us, Points out some circumstance to please us. Jonathan Swift adversity ease firsts Usually speaking, the worst-bred person in company is a young traveller just returned from abroad. Jonathan Swift company worst young Those dreams that on the silent night intrude, and with false flitting shapes our minds delude ... are mere productions of the brain. And fools consult interpreters in vain. Jonathan Swift mind dream night So geographers, in Africa maps, With savage pictures fill their gaps, And o'er uninhabitable downs Place elephants for want of towns Jonathan Swift maps savages elephants I shall be like that tree-I shall die at the top. Jonathan Swift confidence tree inspirational Blot out, correct, insert, refine, enlarge, diminish, interline. Be mindful, when invention fails. To scratch your head and bite your nails. Jonathan Swift nails scratches mindfulness A footman may swear; but he cannot swear like a lord. He can swear as often: but can he swear with equal delicacy, propriety, and judgment? Jonathan Swift delicacy humorous funny
