Quote#Wisdom
The good he scorn'd
Quote byRobert Blair · 1699–1746
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Grave (1743), Part II, line 586. Compare: "Like angels’ visits, short and bright", John Norris, The Parting..
English (original)
The good he scorn'd Stalk'd off reluctant, like an ill-used ghost, Not to return; or if it did, in visits Like those of angels, short and far between.
— Robert Blair
More from Robert Blair
But if there be an hereafter, And that there is, conscience, uninfluenc'd And suffer'd to speak out, tells every man, Then must it be an awful thing to die; More horrid yet to die by one's own hand.
Of joys departed, Not to return, how painful the remembrance!
The Grave, dread thing! Men shiver when thou 'rt named: Nature, appall'd, Shakes off her wonted firmness.
Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul! Sweetener of life! and solder of society!
The Schoolboy, with his satchel in his hand, Whistling aloud to bear his courage up.
Our time is fixed, and all our days are number'd; How long, how short, we know not:—this we know, Duty requires we calmly wait the summons, Nor dare to stir till Heaven shall give permission.