Quote#Wisdom
But, spite of all the criticising elves
Quote byCharles Churchill · 1731–1764
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Rosciad (1761), line 961; comparable with: "Si vis me flere, dolendum est/ Primum ipsi tibi" (translated as "If you wish me to weep, you yourself must first feel grief"), Horace, Ars Poetica, v. 102.
English (original)
But, spite of all the criticising elves, Those who would make us feel—must feel themselves.
— Charles Churchill
More from Charles Churchill
He mouths a sentence as curs mouth a bone.
Genius is of no country; her pure ray Spreads all abroad, as general as the day.
Men the most infamous are fond of fame, And those who fear not guilt yet start at shame.
Who to patch up his fame, or fill his purse, Still pilfers wretched plans, and makes them worse; Like gypsies, lest the stolen brat be known, Defacing first, then claiming for his own.
He sickened at all triumphs but his own.
Fashion—a word which knaves and fools may use, Their knavery and folly to excuse. To copy beauties, forfeits all pretence To fame—to copy faults, is want of sense.