Once (says an Author; where, I need not say)
Two Trav'lers found an Oyster in their way:
Both fierce, both hungry; the dispute grew strong,
While Scale in hand Dame Justice passed along.
Before her each with clamor pleads the Laws.
Explained the matter, and would win the cause,
Dame Justice weighing long the doubtful Right,
Takes, opens, swallows it, before their sight.
The cause of strife removed so rarely well,
"There take" (says Justice), "take ye each a shell.
We thrive at Westminster on Fools like you:
'Twas a fat oyster—live in peace—Adieu."
Verbatim from Boileau. A. POPE.
We must not make a scarecrow of the law,
Setting it up to fear the birds of prey,
And let it keep one shape, till custom make it
Their perch and not their terror.
Measure for Measure, Act ii. Sc. 1. SHAKESPEARE.
No man e'er felt the halter draw,
With good opinion of the law.
McFingal, Canto III. J. TRUMBULL.
Who to himself is law, no law doth need,
Offends no law, and is a king indeed.
Bussy D'Ambois, Act ii. Sc 1. G. CHAPMAN.
LEARNING.
A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.
Essay on Criticism, Pt. II. A. POPE.
When night hath set her silver lamp on high,
Then is the time for study.
Festus, Sc. A Village Feast. P.J. BAILEY.
BIRON.—What is the end of Study? let me know.
KING.—Why, that to know, which else we should not know.
BIRON.—Things hid and barred, you mean, from common sense?
KING.—Ay, that is study's godlike recompense.
Love's Labor's Lost, Act i. Sc. 1. SHAKESPEARE.
No profit grows where is no pleasure ta'en;
In brief, sir, study what you most affect.
Taming of the Shrew, Act i. Sc. 1. SHAKESPEARE.
Some, for renown, on scraps of learning dote,
And think they grow immortal as they quote.
Love of Fame, Satire I. DR. E. YOUNG.
With just enough of learning to misquote.
English Bards and Scotch Reviewers. LORD BYRON.