“ what men call sensible Is oft mere vanity and narrowness. ”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust (1808). copy citation
| Author | Johann Wolfgang von Goethe |
|---|---|
| Source | Faust |
| Topic | vanity narrowness |
| Date | 1808 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Bayard Taylor |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14591/14591-h/14591-h.htm |
Context
“Then, worthy Sir, improve betimes your chances!
[They pass.
MARGARET
Yes, out of sight is out of mind!
Your courtesy an easy grace is;
But you have friends in other places,
And sensibler than I, you'll find.
FAUST
Trust me, dear heart! what men call sensible
Is oft mere vanity and narrowness.
MARGARET
How so?
FAUST
Ah, that simplicity and innocence ne'er know
Themselves, their holy value, and their spell!
That meekness, lowliness, the highest graces
Which Nature portions out so lovingly—”
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