John Dryden
John Dryden
John Drydenwas an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was made England's first Poet Laureate in 1668...
farewell thinking littles
Farewell, too little, and too lately known, Whom I began to think and call my own.
determination fighting littles
I'm a little wounded, but I am not slain; I will lay me down to bleed a while. Then I'll rise and fight again.
may littles mysterious
Much malice mingled with a little wit Perhaps may censure this mysterious writ.
leadership thinking littles
But far more numerous was the herd of such, Who think too little, and who talk too much.
thinking littles too-much
They think too little who talk too much.
giant theirs
Theirs was the giant race, before the flood.
authority combat establish general men particular reputation themselves understanding
They who would combat general authority with particular opinion, must first establish themselves a reputation of understanding better than other men
danced days witness
Witness ye days and nights, and all ye hours, / That danced away with down upon your feet.
affect gravity men name solid wanting wit
Those wanting wit affect gravity and go by the name of solid men
cousin
Cousin Swift, you will never be a poet.
chose discourse nearest rugged verse
And this unpolished rugged verse I chose / As fittest for discourse and nearest prose.
though warm
And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm
poor ten thousand torture word
And torture one poor word ten thousand ways.
child thus
And thus the child imposes on the man.