quote · Legacy record
What is an high-praised philosophy, But books of poesy in prose compil’d, Far more delightful than they fruitful be, Witty appearance, guile that is beguil’d; Corrupting minds much rather than directing, Th’ alloy of duty, and our pride’s erecting. For, as among physicians, what they call Word magic, never helpeth the disease, Which drugs and diet ought to deal withal, And by their real working give us ease; So these word-sellers have no power to cure The passions which corrupted lives endure.
What is an high-praised philosophy, But books of poesy in prose compil’d, Far more delightful than they fruitful be, Witty appearance, guile that is beguil’d; Corrupting minds much rather than directing, Th’ alloy of duty, and our pride’s erecting. For, as among physicians, what they call Word magic, never helpeth the disease, Which drugs and diet ought to deal withal, And by their real working give us ease; So these word-sellers have no power to cure The passions which corrupted lives endure.
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Sir Falke Greville (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 440 · printed citation: Sir Falke Greville · subject: PHILOSOPHY
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.