Page:The Carcanet.djvu/246

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Il n'y a rien de plus injuste qu 'un ignorant. II croit toujours que 1' admiration est le portage des gens que ne savent rien. II condamne toute une piece pour une scene qu' il n' approuve pas. II s' attaque mdme aux endroits lesplus eclatans pour faire croire qu' il a de 1' esprit.

And when angry—for ev'n in the tranquillest climes, Light breezes will ruffle the flowers sometimes— The short, passing anger but seem'd to awaken New beauty, like flowers that are sweetest when shaken.

Moore.

What though wit tickles, tickling is unsafe If still 'tis painful while it makes us laugh. Who, for the poor renown of being smart, Would leave a sting within a brother's heart ? Parts may be prais'd, good nature is ador'd; Then draw your wit as seldom as your sword, And never on the weak, or you'll appear As there no hero, no great genius here. As in smooth oil the razor best is whet, So wit is by politeness sharpest set; Their want of edge from their offtnce is seen; Both pain us least when exquisitely keen. The fame men give is for the joy they find, Dull is the jester when the joke's unkind.