“True Wit is Nature to advantage dress'd
What oft was thought, but ne'er so well express'd;
Something whose truth convinced at sight we find,
That gives us back the image of our mind.
As shades more sweetly recommend the light,
So modest plainness sets off sprightly wit.”
More from Alexander Pope
“Our rural ancestors, with little blest, Patient of labor when the end was rest, Indulged…”
“Yet graceful ease, and sweetness void of pride, Might hide her faults, if belles had…”
“Dear fatal name! rest ever unreveal'd, Nor pass these lips in holy silence seal'd. Hide…”
“All forms that perish other forms supply, (By turns we catch the vital breath and die)…”