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Shawords

Quote#Humour & Wit

The rest to some faint meaning make pretense

Quote byJohn Dryden · 1631–1700

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Mac Flecknoe (1682), ll. 19–24.

English (original)

The rest to some faint meaning make pretense, But Shadwell never deviates into sense. Some beams of wit on other souls may fall, Strike through and make a lucid interval; But Shadwell's genuine night admits no ray, His rising fogs prevail upon the day.

— John Dryden

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