PERFECTION.
To gild refinèd gold, to paint the lily,
To throw a perfume on the violet,
To smooth the ice, or add another hue
Unto the rainbow, or with taper-light
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.
King John, Act iv. Sc. 2. SHAKESPEARE.
How many things by season seasoned are
To their right praise and true perfection!
Merchant of Venice, Act v. Sc. 1. SHAKESPEARE.
Those about her
From her shall read the perfect ways of honor.
King Henry VIII., Act v. Sc. 5. SHAKESPEARE.
Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er shall be.
Essay on Criticism, Pt. II. A. POPE.