Quote#Remembrance
If you could be alarmed into the semblance of modesty, you would…
Quote bySydney Smith · 1771–1845
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Lady Holland's Memoir (1855), Vol. II, letter to Lord Jeffrey (1806), p. 23.
English (original)
If you could be alarmed into the semblance of modesty, you would charm everybody; but remember my joke against you about the Moon and the Solar System;—"Damn the solar system! bad light — planets too distant — pestered with comets — feeble contriviance; — could make a better with great ease."
— Sydney Smith
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