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Shawords

Quote#Children

Why prattle we like children at their play

Quote byJohn Ogilby · 1600–1676

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Homer His Iliads Translated (1660), Book XX.

English (original)

Why prattle we like children at their play, Spending thus idle breath, enough to freight An able vessel of the primer rate? Our tongues are voluble, and store of words Invention on all arguments affords, Scatter'd on fresh occasions here and there, And what thou say'st thou shalt from others hear. Let us no longer vainly thus contend, Like fenceless women, railing to no end.

— John Ogilby

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