The Life of Joseph Addison, Esq; Extracted from No III. and IV. of the General Dictionary, Historical and Critical. To which is Prefixed, the Life of Dr. Lancelot Addison, Dean of Litchfield, His Father

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N. Prevost, 1733 - 112 pages

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Page 31 - Inspired repulsed battalions to engage, And taught the doubtful battle where to rage. So when an angel, by divine command, With rising tempests shakes a guilty land (Such as of late o'er pale Britannia passed), Calm and serene he drives the furious blast; And, pleased the Almighty's orders to perform, Rides in the whirlwind and directs the storm.
Page 92 - The time in which he lived had reason to lament his obstinacy of silence, 'for he was,' says Steele, 'above all men in that talent called humour, and enjoyed it in such perfection that I have often reflected, after a night spent with him apart from all the world, that I had had the pleasure of conversing with an intimate acquaintance of Terence and Catullus, who had all their wit and nature, heightened with humour more exquisite and delightful than any other man ever possessed.
Page 70 - How beautiful is death, when earn'd by virtue ! Who would not be that youth ? what pity is it That we can die but once to serve our country...
Page 92 - his remarkable' bashfulness, which is a cloak that hides and muffles merit ; and his abilities were covered only by modesty, which doubles the beauties which are seen, and gives credit and esteem to all that are concealed.
Page 65 - I remember right, the fifth act was written in less than a week's time; for this was particular in this writer, that when he had taken his resolution, or made his plan for what he...
Page 41 - This good office he performed with such force of genius, humour, wit, and learning, that I fared like a distressed prince, who calls in a powerful neighbour to his aid; I was undone by my auxiliary; when I had once called him in, I could not subsist without dependence on him.
Page 43 - After this acknowledgment you will see, that is, such a man as you will see, that I rejoiced in being excelled, and made those little talents, whatever they are which I have, give way and be subservient to the superior qualities of a friend whom I loved, and whose modesty would never have admitted them to come into day-light but under such a shelter.
Page 77 - To civilize the rude unpolish'd world, And lay it under the restraint of laws; To make man mild, and sociable to man ; To cultivate the wild licentious savage With wisdom, discipline, and liberal arts...
Page 101 - Chiefs, graced with scars, and prodigal of blood, Stern patriots who for sacred freedom stood; Just men, by whom impartial laws were given, And saints who taught, and led the way to Heaven.
Page 54 - When it was printed, notice was given that the Queen would be pleafed if it was dedicated to her ; " but, as he had defigned that compliment elfe" where, he found himfelf obliged...

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