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Quote#Nature

The English, like ancient medals, kept more apart, and passing but…

Quote byLaurence Sterne · 1713–1768

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy (1768), Character, Versailles..

English (original)

The English, like ancient medals, kept more apart, and passing but few people’s hands, preserve the first sharpnesses which the fine hand of Nature has given them;—they are not so pleasant to feel,—but in return the legend is so visible, that at the first look you see whose image and superscription they bear.

— Laurence Sterne

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