James Thomson

I think a bishop who doesn't give offence to anyone is probably not a good bishop.

More firm and sure the hand of courage strikes, when it obeys the watchful eye of caution.

The best of men have ever loved repose They hate to mingle in the filthy fray Where the soul sours and gradual rancour grows Imbitterd more from peevish day to day.

Peace is the happy natural state of man; war is corruption and disgrace.

Ingratitude is treason to mankind.

Vulgar minds refuse to crouch beneath their load; the brave bear theirs without repining.

But who can paint like Nature? Can imagination boast, amid its gay creation, hues like hers?

Statues and pictures and verse may be grand, But they are not the Life for which they stand.

That which makes people dissatisfied with their condition, is the chimerical idea they form of the happiness of others.

For life is but a dream whose shapes return, some frequently, some seldom, some by night and some by day.

The world rolls round forever like a mill; it grinds out death and life and good and ill; it has no purpose, heart or mind or will.

Rule, Britannia, rule the waves; Britons never will be slaves.

Among the changing months, May stands confest The sweetest, and in fairest colors dressed.

'Tis easier for the generous to forgive, than for offence to ask it.

Base envy withers at anothers joy And hates that excellence it cannot reach.

I know no subject more elevating, more amazing, more ready to the poetical enthusiasm, the philosophical reflection, and the moral sentiment than the works of nature. Where can we meet such variety, such beauty, such magnificence?

Delightful task! To rear the tender thought. To teach the young idea how to shoot.

Health is the vital principle of bliss, and exercise, of health.