Quote#Speech
For this dead Venice once taught us to be merchants, sailors and…
Quote byJohn Ruskin · 1819–1900
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Fors Clavigera (1871-1878 and 1880-1884), Fors Clavigera,, letter xlii, (1 June 1874; quoted by William Archer in America To-Day).
English (original)
For this dead Venice once taught us to be merchants, sailors and gentlemen; and this dying England taught the Americans all they have of speech, or thought, hitherto. What thoughts they have not learned from England are foolish thoughts; what words they have not learned from England, unseemly words; the vile among them not being able even to be humorous parrots, but only obscene mocking birds.
— John Ruskin
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