Roger L'Estrange

“ Many and Many a time has this been our own Case, both publick and private, when we would not Believe the Danger of things 'till the Evil was come upon us: But Good Council is cast away, upon the Arrogant, die Self conceited, or the stupid, who are either too Proud to take it, or too Heavy to Understand it. ”

“ It is the Bane of Society, and in truth, even of particular Persons too, when betwixt Laziness and Neglect, men flip all the Opportunities, with the Birds herein the Fable, of a Safe, and of a Happy Life. ”

“ Governours would have enough to do, they Cry, to trouble their Heads with the Politiques of every Medling Officious Impertinent. Well! It takes Root; shews itself in the Blade, Advances, and Ripens: And still the Swallow is but the same Fool over again, for continuing the same Advice. The Hemp comes at last to be pluckt-up, Pill'd, Dress'd, and Spun; The Nets and Snares made and laid; and yet all this while the Birds could never find a time to Bethink themselves, till they came to be Hamper'd, and Ruined past Recovery. ”