On Conversation (1782) [ Concepts ]
… The positive pronounce without dismay; Their want of light and intellect supplied By sparks absurdity strikes out of pride. Without the means of knowing right from wrong, They always are decisive, clear, and strong. Where others toil with … their own likeness in a brother's face. The cause is plain, and not to be denied, The proud are always most provoked by pride. Few competitions but engender spite; And those the most, where neither has a right. The point of honour has been … Few Frenchmen of this evil have complain'd; It seems as if we Britons were ordained, By way of wholesome curb upon our pride, To fear each other, fearing none beside. The cause perhaps inquiry may descry, Self-searching with an introverted …
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