He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but cannot please himself. — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
Now two punctilious envoys, Thine and Mine Embroil the earth about a fancied line; And, dwelling much on right and much on wrong, Prove… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
Time flies and draws us with it. The moment in which I am speaking is already far from me. — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
Of all the animals which fly in the air, walk on the land, or swim in the sea, from Paris to Peru, from Japan… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
Nature always springs to the surface and manages to show what she is. It is vain to stop or try to drive her back.… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
Though you be sprung in direct line from Hercules, if you show a lowborn meanness, that long succession of ancestors whom you disgrace are… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
Let a single complete action, in one place and one day, keep the theatre packed to the last. — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
Happy the poet who with ease can steer From grave to gay, from lively to severe. [Lat., Heureux qui, dans ses vers, sait d'une… — Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux Copy Share
