What are they but His jewels
Of right celestial worth?
What are they but the ladder
Set up to Heav’n on earth?
J. M. Neale (O Happy Band of Pilgrims).
I can bear it no longer—this diabolical invention of gentility, which kills natural kindliness and honest friendship. Proper pride, indeed! Rank and precedence, forsooth! The table of ranks and degrees is a lie, and should be flung into the fire. Organize rank and precedence! That was well for the masters of ceremonies of former ages. Come forward, some great marshal, and organize Equality in society.
Thackeray (Book of Snobs).
Earth gets its price for what Earth gives us;