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By far the best proof is experience.

quote by Francis Bacon
Added by Lucian Velea
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Lovin Proof

(dianne warren)
I know some lovers would be satisfied
With sweet I love yous and some pretty lines
But that wont get you in this heart of mine
No, youll never steal my heart away
With just words, sweet words that you say
It is all in the things that you do
Im telling you
If you want me to believe
That Im the only one you need
I need lovin proof
I need lovin proof
Baby, hold me in your arms
And show me something from the heart
Give me lovin proof
I need lovin proof from you
And if the love you got is strong and true
And if you love me like you say you do
Your tender touch will tell the honest truth
And your kiss could never tell a lie
cause Id see it in your eyes
There is one way to ease any doubt
I tell you now
If you want me to believe
That Im the only one you need
I need lovin proof
I need lovin proof
Baby, I wont be impressed
Unless I get some tenderness
Give me lovin proof
I need lovin proof, oh, oh, from you, oh, oh
(I need lovin proof)
If the love is right
(I need lovin proof)
Prove it, prove it all night
(I need lovin proof)
From you
cause youll never steal my heart away
With just words, sweet words that you say
It is all in the things you do
Im telling you, telling you baby
If you want me to believe
That Im the only one you need
I need lovin proof
I need lovin proof
Baby, hold me in your arms
And tell me something from the heart
I need lovin proof
Give me lovin proof, oh, oh, from you
If you want me to believe

[...] Read more

song performed by Dusty Springfield
Added by Lucian Velea
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Bringin Da Noise

Bringin da noise
Bring down the house
We came here to turn the party out
Say come on, come on
Lets raise the roof
And give 'em proof
That we can get loose yall
Bringin da noise
Bring down the house
We came here to turn the party out
Say come on, come on
Lets raise the roof
And give 'em proof
That we can get loose yall
Jc:
We need to get down
The scene is set so right
Everybodys in the house tonight (tonight)
Lose your mind
Let your body take control (control)
Youve got to feel it in your soul (in your soul)
Ive got that feeling baby
You know it drives me crazy
And all I wanna do is hit the floor
I wanna shout it yall
So make it louder yall
Jc:
And turn it up some more
Bringin da noise
Bring down the house
We came here to turn the party out
Say come on, come on
Lets raise the roof
And give 'em proof
That we can get loose yall
Bringin da noise
Bring down the house
We came here to turn the party out
Say come on, come on
Lets raise the roof
And give 'em proof
That we can get loose yall
Bringin da noise
Bringin da noise
Jc:
Just shake it girl (shake it girl)
And enjoy the ride
Do what you feel inside
Cause its your world..
All you want and more

[...] Read more

song performed by N Sync
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Proof

Soon our fortunes will be made, my darling
And we will leave this loathsome little town
Silver bells jingling from your black lizard boots, my baby
Silver foil to trim your wedding gown
Its true the tools of love wear down
Time passes
A mind wanders
It seems mindless, but it does
Sometimes I see you face
As if through reading glasses
And your smile seems softer than it was
Proof
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Proof
Sane people go crazy on you
Say no man, that was not
The deal we made
I got to go, I got to go
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
My face, my race
Dont matter anymore
My sex, my cheques
Accepted at the door
Proof
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Proof
Sane people go crazy on you
Say no man, that was not
The deal we made
I got to, I got to go
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
Half moon hiding in the clouds, my darling
And the sky is flecked with signs of hope
Raise your weary wings against the rain, my baby
Wash your tangled curls with gamblers soap
Proof
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Sane people go crazy on you
Say no man, that was not
The deal we made
I got to, I got to, I got to

[...] Read more

song performed by Paul Simon
Added by Lucian Velea
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Z. Comments

CRYSTAL GLOW

Madhur Veena Comment: Who is she? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ....You write good!

Margaret Alice Comment: Beautiful, it stikes as heartfelt words and touches the heart, beautiful sentiments, sorry, I repeat myself, but I am delighted. Your poem is like the trinkets I collect to adorn my personal space, pure joy to read, wonderful! Only a beautiful mind can harbour such sentiments, you have a beautiful mind. I am glad you have found someone that inspires you to such heights and that you share it with us, you make the world a mroe wonderful place.

Margaret Alice Comment: Within the context set by the previous poem, “Cosmic Probe”, the description of a lover’s adoration for his beloved becomes a universal ode sung to the abstract values of love, joy and hope personified by light, colours, fragrance and beauty, qualities the poet assigns to his beloved, thus elevating her to the status of an uplifting force because she brings all these qualities to his attention. The poet recognises that these personified values brings him fulfilment and chose the image of a love relationship to illustrate how this comes about; thus a love poem becomes the vehicle to convey spiritual epiphany.

FRAGRANT JASMINE

Margaret Alice Comment: Your words seem to be directed to a divine entity, you seem to be addressing your adoration to a divinity, and it is wonderful to read of such sublime sentiments kindled in a human soul. Mankind is always lifted up by their vision and awareness of divinity, thank you for such pure, clear diction and sharing your awareness of the sublime with us, you have uplifted me so much by this vision you have created!

Margaret Alice Comment: The poet’s words seem to be directed to a divine entity, express adoration to a divinity who is the personification of wonderful qualities which awakens a sense of the sublime in the human soul. An uplifting vision and awareness of uplifting qualities of innocence represented by a beautiful person.

I WENT THERE TO BID HER ADIEU

Kente Lucy Comment: wow great writing, what a way to bid farewell

Margaret Alice Comment: Sensory experience is elevated by its symbolical meaning, your description of the scene shows two souls becoming one and your awareness of the importance of tempory experience as a symbol of the eternal duration of love and companionship - were temporary experience only valid for one moment in time, it would be a sad world, but once it is seen as a symbol of eternal things, it becomes enchanting.

I’M INCOMPLETE WITHOUT YOU

Margaret Alice Comment: You elevate the humnan experience of longing for love to a striving for sublimity in uniting with a beloved person, and this poem is stirring, your style of writing is effective, everything flows together perfectly.

Margaret Alice Comment:

'To a resplendent glow of celestial flow
And two split halves unite never to part.'

Reading your fluent poems is a delight, I have to tear myself away and return to the life of a drudge, but what a treasure trove of jewels you made for the weary soul who needs to contemplate higher ideals from time to time!

IN CELESTIAL WINGS

Margaret Alice Comment: When you describe how you are strengthened by your loved one, it is clear that your inner flame is so strong that you need not fear growing old, your spirit seems to become stronger, you manage to convey this impression by your striking poetry. It is a privilege to read your work.

Obed Dela Cruz Comment: wow.... i remembered will shakespeare.... nice poem!

Margaret Alice Comment: The poet has transcended the barriers of time and space by becoming an image of his beloved and being able to find peace in the joy he confers to his beloved.

'You transcend my limits, transcend my soul, I forget my distress in your thoughts And discover my peace in your joy, For, I’m mere image of you, my beloved.'

Margaret Alice Comment: You are my peace and solace, I know, I am, yours too; A mere flash of your thoughts Enlivens my tired soul And fills me with light, peace and solace, A giant in new world, I become, I rise to divine heights in celestial wings. How I desire to reciprocate To fill you with light and inner strength raise you to divine heights; I must cross over nd hold you in arms, light up your soul, Fill you with strength from my inner core, Wipe away your tears burst out in pure joy How I yearn to instill hope and confidence in you we never part And we shall wait, till time comes right. the flame in my soul always seeks you, you transcend my limits, transcend my soul, I forget my distress in your thoughts And discover my peace in your joy, For, I’m mere image of you, my beloved.

RAGING FIRE

[...] Read more

poem by Praveen Kumar
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Experiencia Religiosa (remix)

Un poco de ti para sobrevivir
Esta noche ue viene fria y sola
Un aire de extasis en la ventana
Para vestirme de fiesta y ceremonia
Cada vez que estoy contigo
Yo descubro el infinito
Tiembla el suelo
La noche se ilumina
El silencio se vuelve melodia
Y es casi un
experiencia religiosa
Sentir que resucito si me tocas
Subir al firmamento prendido de tu
cuerpo
es un experiencia religiosa
Casi una experiencia religiosa
Contigo cada instante en cada cosa
Besar la boca tuya merece
un aleluya
Es una experiencia religiosa
Vuelve pronto mi amor
te necesito ya
Porque esta noche tan honda
me da miedo
Necesito la musica de tu alegria
Para callar los demonios que
llevo dentro
Cada vez que estoy contigo
Yo descubro el infinito
Tiembla el suelo
La noche se ilumina
El silencio se vuelve melodia
Y es casi un
experiencia religiosa
Sentir que resucito si me tocas
Subir al firmamento prendido de tu
cuerpo
es un experiencia religiosa
Casi una experiencia religiosa
Contigo cada instante
en cada cosa
Besar la boca tuya merece
un aleluya
Es una experiencia religiosa
Y es casi un
experiencia religiosa
Sentir que resucito si me tocas
Subir al firmamento
prendido de tu cuerpo
Es un experiencia religiosa

[...] Read more

song performed by Enrique Iglesias
Added by Lucian Velea
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Prince Hohenstiel-Schwangau, Saviour of Society

Epigraph

Υδραν φονεύσας, μυρίων τ᾽ ἄλλων πόνων
διῆλθον ἀγέλας . . .
τὸ λοίσθιον δὲ τόνδ᾽ ἔτλην τάλας πόνον,
. . . δῶμα θριγκῶσαι κακοῖς.

I slew the Hydra, and from labour pass'd
To labour — tribes of labours! Till, at last,
Attempting one more labour, in a trice,
Alack, with ills I crowned the edifice.

You have seen better days, dear? So have I —
And worse too, for they brought no such bud-mouth
As yours to lisp "You wish you knew me!" Well,
Wise men, 't is said, have sometimes wished the same,
And wished and had their trouble for their pains.
Suppose my Œdipus should lurk at last
Under a pork-pie hat and crinoline,
And, latish, pounce on Sphynx in Leicester Square?
Or likelier, what if Sphynx in wise old age,
Grown sick of snapping foolish people's heads,
And jealous for her riddle's proper rede, —
Jealous that the good trick which served the turn
Have justice rendered it, nor class one day
With friend Home's stilts and tongs and medium-ware,—
What if the once redoubted Sphynx, I say,
(Because night draws on, and the sands increase,
And desert-whispers grow a prophecy)
Tell all to Corinth of her own accord.
Bright Corinth, not dull Thebes, for Lais' sake,
Who finds me hardly grey, and likes my nose,
And thinks a man of sixty at the prime?
Good! It shall be! Revealment of myself!
But listen, for we must co-operate;
I don't drink tea: permit me the cigar!
First, how to make the matter plain, of course —
What was the law by which I lived. Let 's see:
Ay, we must take one instant of my life
Spent sitting by your side in this neat room:
Watch well the way I use it, and don't laugh!
Here's paper on the table, pen and ink:
Give me the soiled bit — not the pretty rose!
See! having sat an hour, I'm rested now,
Therefore want work: and spy no better work
For eye and hand and mind that guides them both,
During this instant, than to draw my pen
From blot One — thus — up, up to blot Two — thus —
Which I at last reach, thus, and here's my line
Five inches long and tolerably straight:

[...] Read more

poem by Robert Browning (1871)
Added by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Bulletproof

Limb by limb and tooth by tooth
It's tearing up inside of me
Everyday, every hour wish that I
Was bullet proof
Wax me
Mould me
Heat the pins and stab them in
You have turned me into this
Just wish that it
Was bullet proof
Was bullet proof
So pay me money and take a shot
Lead-fill the hole in me
I could burst a million bubbles
All surrogate
And bullet proof
And bullet proof
And bullet proof
And bullet proof

song performed by Radiohead
Added by Lucian Velea
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A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof. And when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven.

quote by Jean Chretien
Added by Lucian Velea
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Otho The Great - Act III

SCENE I.
The Country.
Enter ALBERT.
Albert. O that the earth were empty, as when Cain
Had no perplexity to hide his head!
Or that the sword of some brave enemy
Had put a sudden stop to my hot breath,
And hurl'd me down the illimitable gulph
Of times past, unremember'd! Better so
Than thus fast-limed in a cursed snare,
The white limbs of a wanton. This the end
Of an aspiring life! My boyhood past
In feud with wolves and bears, when no eye saw
The solitary warfare, fought for love
Of honour 'mid the growling wilderness.
My sturdier youth, maturing to the sword,
Won by the syren-trumpets, and the ring
Of shields upon the pavement, when bright-mail'd
Henry the Fowler pass'd the streets of Prague,
Was't to this end I louted and became
The menial of Mars, and held a spear
Sway'd by command, as corn is by the wind?
Is it for this, I now am lifted up
By Europe's throned Emperor, to see
My honour be my executioner,
My love of fame, my prided honesty
Put to the torture for confessional?
Then the damn'd crime of blurting to the world
A woman's secret! Though a fiend she be,
Too tender of my ignominious life;
But then to wrong the generous Emperor
In such a searching point, were to give up
My soul for foot-ball at Hell's holiday!
I must confess, and cut my throat, to-day?
To-morrow? Ho! some wine!
Enter SIGIFRED.
Sigifred. A fine humour
Albert. Who goes there? Count Sigifred? Ha! Ha!
Sigifred. What, man, do you mistake the hollow sky
For a throng 'd tavern, and these stubbed trees
For old serge hangings, me, your humble friend,
For a poor waiter? Why, man, how you stare!
What gipsies have you been carousing with?
No, no more wine; methinks you've had enough.
Albert. You well may laugh and banter. What a fool
An injury may make of a staid man!
You shall know all anon.
Sigifred. Some tavern brawl?
Albert. 'Twas with some people out of common reach;
Revenge is difficult.

[...] Read more

poem by John Keats
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Somebody, Somewhere Claims To Have Proof

Many with a minature flow grown old,
Have overblown and exposing bluff that disrupts.
Just to get the followers of doers to give up...
What they know effective and correct,
And not corrupt...
'Cause,
Somebody, somewhere claims to have proof...
That the doers are the losers.
With lies they tell and try to hide.

Many with a minature flow grown old,
Have overblown and exposing bluff that disrupts.
Just to get the followers of doers to give up...
What they know effective and correct,
And not corrupt...
'Cause,
Somebody, somewhere claims to have proof...
That the doers are the losers.
With lies they tell and try to hide.

Somebody, somewhere claims to have proof...
But,
Where is it?
Somebody, somewhere claims to have proof...
But,
Does it exist?
And...
Somebody, somewhere claims to have proof...
That the doers are the losers.

Can a duck pass as a pheasant?
And...
Somebody, somewhere claims to have proof.
But...
Where is it revealed?
And...
Somebody, somewhere claims to have proof,
Kept hidden and concealed.
Yet...
Somebody, somewhere confuses truth,
That those who 'Do' are not the losers.

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Nature

Nature is a purifier, a converting machine
If it's not so than life can't be seen
How dirty we are! Rivers are the proof
How selfish we are! Pollution is the proof
How ugly we are! Arms and ammunition is the proof

We are the destroyer a polluting ruffian
If it's not so than power strife can't be seen
How negligent we are! Water level is the proof
How foolish we are! Japan is the proof
How mad we are! War is the proof
O! Nature! Thou art divine providence

poem by Aftab Alam Khursheed
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Eighty Proof Bottle Of Tear Stopper

You aint never fell as far as when you fall in love
Except the fall you take when youve been loved and given up
When you have your heart and soul rubbed into the dirt
An 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper will take away the hurt
Give me an 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper
And Ill start feeling I forgot her
Get a little loose and lose her memory
And I wont think Im close to dying
Because it dries up all my crying
An 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper always sets me free
It aint easy losing love although its turned out bad
All at once youre turning off old feelings you once had
But I found a helping hand right here in my hand
An 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper will help me take command
Give me an 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper
And Ill start feeling I forgot her
Get a little loose and lose her memory
And I wont think Im close to dying
Because it dries up all my crying
An 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper always sets me free

song performed by George Strait
Added by Lucian Velea
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80 Proof Bottle Of Tear Stopper

(Darryl Staedtler)
You ain't never fell as far as when you fall in love
Except the fall you take when you've been loved and given up
When you have your heart and soul rubbed into the dirt
An 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper will take away the hurt
Give me an 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper
And I'll start feeling I forgot her
Get a little loose and lose her memory
And I won't think I'm close to dying
Because it dries up all my crying
An 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper always sets me free
It ain't easy losing love although it's turned out bad
All at once you're turning off old feelings you once had
But I found a helping hand right here in my hand
And 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper will help me take 'em out
Give me an 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper
And I'll start feeling I forgot her
Get a little loose and lose her memory
And I won't think I'm close to dying
Because it dries up all my crying
An 80-proof bottle of tear-stopper always sets me free

song performed by George Strait
Added by Lucian Velea
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Eye For An Eye

You turned me over now I'll turn you around
Mistakes are made, foul play
You have givin' is what I found
You'll be my queen for a day
I'm no matinee idol
You put it in the wrong way
If I was Valentino
It'd been the same
It's like an eye for an eye
Give me some proof
Speak up now or it's a tooth for a tooth
An eye for an eye
Give me some proof
Time is runnin' out on you
Watcha gonna do?
No need to smile while I make my advance
But please don't turn away
Your reputation got me into your pants
But you weren't that great
Well now you turned the tables
It's the other way
I've got my revenge baby
And you want to stay
It's like an eye for an eye
Give me some proof
Speak up now or it's a tooth for a tooth
An eye for an eye
Give me some proof
Time is runnin' out on you
Watcha gonna do?
It's like an eye for an eye
Give me some proof
Speak up now or it's a tooth for a tooth
An eye for an eye
Give me some proof
Time is runnin' out on you
Watcha gonna do?
Watcha gonna do?
Watcha gonna do?
Watcha gonna do?
Watcha gonna do?
Watcha gonna do?
Watcha gonna do?

song performed by Quiet Riot
Added by Lucian Velea
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Otho The Great - Act II

SCENE I.
An Ante-chamber in the Castle.
Enter LUDOLPH and SIGIFRED.
Ludolph. No more advices, no more cautioning:
I leave it all to fate to any thing!
I cannot square my conduct to time, place,
Or circumstances; to me 'tis all a mist!
Sigifred. I say no more.
Ludolph. It seems I am to wait
Here in the ante-room; that may be a trifle.
You see now how I dance attendance here,
Without that tyrant temper, you so blame,
Snapping the rein. You have medicin'd me
With good advices; and I here remain,
In this most honourable ante-room,
Your patient scholar.
Sigifred. Do not wrong me, Prince.
By Heavens, I'd rather kiss Duke Conrad's slipper,
When in the morning he doth yawn with pride,
Than see you humbled but a half-degree!
Truth is, the Emperor would fain dismiss
The nobles ere he sees you.
Enter GONFRED from the Council-room.
Ludolph. Well, sir! What?
Gonfred. Great honour to the Prince! The Emperor,
Hearing that his brave son had re-appeared,
Instant dismiss 'd the Council from his sight,
As Jove fans off the clouds. Even now they pass.
[Exit.
Enter the Nobles from the Council-room. They cross the stage,
bowing unth respect to LUDOLPH, he frowning on them.
CONRAD follows. Exeunt Nobles.
Ludolph. Not the discoloured poisons of a fen,
Which he who breathes feels warning of his death,
Could taste so nauseous to the bodily sense,
As these prodigious sycophants disgust
The soul's fine palate.
Conrad. Princely Ludolph, hail!
Welcome, thou younger sceptre to the realm!
Strength to thy virgin crownet's golden buds,
That they, against the winter of thy sire,
May burst, and swell, and flourish round thy brows,
Maturing to a weighty diadem!
Yet be that hour far off; and may he live,
Who waits for thee, as the chapp'd earth for rain.
Set my life's star! I have lived long enough,
Since under my glad roof, propitiously,
Father and son each other re-possess.
Ludolph. Fine wording, Duke! but words could never yet
Forestall the fates; have you not learnt that yet?

[...] Read more

poem by John Keats
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Experience

Experience?
Those with it...
Have grossly diminished,
A quality of life.
Those with it...
Have not communicated,
On levels to diffuse conflicts and fights!
And their argument as to who has more of it...
Has spotlighted the inexperienced,
As being less dim, far less dull...
And actually a lot more bright!
If those with experience had any at all...
Why have they not chosen,
To prove or show they have it as an appetite?

The experienced have been trained,
In prestigious schools!
Granted they probably partied...
And cheated to receive degrees that honored fools.
Or pledged to be in cliques...
Like fraternities and sororities,
As their parents financed it!
Since alumnae supports these halls Ivy Leagued.

And the trails of those experienced have led to this:
Corporations have failed!
And so has the dollar.
Mental and physical diseases have increased.
Fast food to feed the greedy,
Has those obesed from gluttony!
The expense of educational institutions...
Has produced and graduated,
Students who neither can write, comprehend or read!

Where is this experience,
Taught in lessons to them?
Video games and a laziness...
With encouragement of their every whim?

In hospitals.
Politics.
Laws and crooked police!
And churches of all faiths...
Rather keep their preachers wealthy.
As they scandalize from pulpits!
Confessing sins and rules of God they break!

The paths of those experienced!
Has caught them trapped...
Mainlining treachery and deceptions they expose.

[...] Read more

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Added by Poetry Lover
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Skipping Around Obstacles

It would be great if experience to one came,
Without the sacrificing of time...
To find fault or place blame.
Or the process of feeling some anguish and pain.

Wouldn't it be nice,
If it came with the throwing of dice?

And those wishing to have it,
Could barter for it in exchange.
Leaving complaints at a minimum.
With a bargain felt that had been obtained.

It would be delicious and lip licking good,
If the price of it could afford everyone's taste.
And no one would feel deprived of it,
No matter the neighborhood.

It would be great if experience to one came...
Overnight feeding everyone's appetite.
And those who make claims,
They have awakened with knowledge...
Would express more insight,
With eyes clear and bright!

But experience is what it is.
And it can not be taught to achieve.

'Excuse me professor,
Is it possible we can discuss that topic,
One more time?
Please? '

The one who acquires experience...
Isn't the one with a heart worn on a sleeve.
But has lived and learned from mistakes that were made.
And did not make excuses heard,
While gathering up the energy to again stand...
With no mention of having crawled on knees.

Experience does not come gift wrapped in a nice package.
Or skipping around obstacles,
To place that responsibility on someone else's back.
Experience doesn't come to be done like that!

'I am so glad I had that experience.
No one will ever know...
What it was like to see you,
Struggle as you carried my weight.
I so appreicate you giving me that experience.

[...] Read more

poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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The Interpretation of Nature and

I.

MAN, being the servant and interpreter of Nature, can do and understand so much and so much only as he has observed in fact or in thought of the course of nature: beyond this he neither knows anything nor can do anything.


II.

Neither the naked hand nor the understanding left to itself can effect much. It is by instruments and helps that the work is done, which are as much wanted for the understanding as for the hand. And as the instruments of the hand either give motion or guide it, so the instruments of the mind supply either suggestions for the understanding or cautions.

III.

Human knowledge and human power meet in one; for where the cause is not known the effect cannot be produced. Nature to be commanded must be obeyed; and that which in contemplation is as the cause is in operation as the rule.

IV.

Towards the effecting of works, all that man can do is to put together or put asunder natural bodies. The rest is done by nature working within.

V.

The study of nature with a view to works is engaged in by the mechanic, the mathematician, the physician, the alchemist, and the magician; but by all (as things now are) with slight endeavour and scanty success.

VI.

It would be an unsound fancy and self-contradictory to expect that things which have never yet been done can be done except by means which have never yet been tried.

VII.

The productions of the mind and hand seem very numerous in books and manufactures. But all this variety lies in an exquisite subtlety and derivations from a few things already known; not in the number of axioms.

VIII.

Moreover the works already known are due to chance and experiment rather than to sciences; for the sciences we now possess are merely systems for the nice ordering and setting forth of things already invented; not methods of invention or directions for new works.

IX.

The cause and root of nearly all evils in the sciences is this -- that while we falsely admire and extol the powers of the human mind we neglect to seek for its true helps.

X.

The subtlety of nature is greater many times over than the subtlety of the senses and understanding; so that all those specious meditations, speculations, and glosses in which men indulge are quite from the purpose, only there is no one by to observe it.

XI.

As the sciences which we now have do not help us in finding out new works, so neither does the logic which we now have help us in finding out new sciences.

XII.

The logic now in use serves rather to fix and give stability to the errors which have their foundation in commonly received notions than to help the search after truth. So it does more harm than good.

XIII.

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poem by Sir Francis Bacon
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Book Eleventh: France [concluded]

FROM that time forth, Authority in France
Put on a milder face; Terror had ceased,
Yet everything was wanting that might give
Courage to them who looked for good by light
Of rational Experience, for the shoots
And hopeful blossoms of a second spring:
Yet, in me, confidence was unimpaired;
The Senate's language, and the public acts
And measures of the Government, though both
Weak, and of heartless omen, had not power
To daunt me; in the People was my trust:
And, in the virtues which mine eyes had seen,
I knew that wound external could not take
Life from the young Republic; that new foes
Would only follow, in the path of shame,
Their brethren, and her triumphs be in the end
Great, universal, irresistible.
This intuition led me to confound
One victory with another, higher far,--
Triumphs of unambitious peace at home,
And noiseless fortitude. Beholding still
Resistance strong as heretofore, I thought
That what was in degree the same was likewise
The same in quality,--that, as the worse
Of the two spirits then at strife remained
Untired, the better, surely, would preserve
The heart that first had roused him. Youth maintains,
In all conditions of society,
Communion more direct and intimate
With Nature,--hence, ofttimes, with reason too--
Than age or manhood, even. To Nature, then,
Power had reverted: habit, custom, law,
Had left an interregnum's open space
For 'her' to move about in, uncontrolled.
Hence could I see how Babel-like their task,
Who, by the recent deluge stupified,
With their whole souls went culling from the day
Its petty promises, to build a tower
For their own safety; laughed with my compeers
At gravest heads, by enmity to France
Distempered, till they found, in every blast
Forced from the street-disturbing newsman's horn,
For her great cause record or prophecy
Of utter ruin. How might we believe
That wisdom could, in any shape, come near
Men clinging to delusions so insane?
And thus, experience proving that no few
Of our opinions had been just, we took
Like credit to ourselves where less was due,
And thought that other notions were as sound

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poem by William Wordsworth
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IX. Juris Doctor Johannes-Baptista Bottinius, Fisci et Rev. Cam. Apostol. Advocatus

Had I God's leave, how I would alter things!
If I might read instead of print my speech,—
Ay, and enliven speech with many a flower
Refuses obstinate to blow in print,
As wildings planted in a prim parterre,—
This scurvy room were turned an immense hall;
Opposite, fifty judges in a row;
This side and that of me, for audience—Rome:
And, where yon window is, the Pope should hide—
Watch, curtained, but peep visibly enough.
A buzz of expectation! Through the crowd,
Jingling his chain and stumping with his staff,
Up comes an usher, louts him low, "The Court
"Requires the allocution of the Fisc!"
I rise, I bend, I look about me, pause
O'er the hushed multitude: I count—One, two—

Have ye seen, Judges, have ye, lights of law,—
When it may hap some painter, much in vogue
Throughout our city nutritive of arts,
Ye summon to a task shall test his worth,
And manufacture, as he knows and can,
A work may decorate a palace-wall,
Afford my lords their Holy Family,—
Hath it escaped the acumen of the Court
How such a painter sets himself to paint?
Suppose that Joseph, Mary and her Babe
A-journeying to Egypt, prove the piece:
Why, first he sedulously practiseth,
This painter,—girding loin and lighting lamp,—
On what may nourish eye, make facile hand;
Getteth him studies (styled by draughtsmen so)
From some assistant corpse of Jew or Turk
Or, haply, Molinist, he cuts and carves,—
This Luca or this Carlo or the like.
To him the bones their inmost secret yield,
Each notch and nodule signify their use:
On him the muscles turn, in triple tier,
And pleasantly entreat the entrusted man
"Familiarize thee with our play that lifts
"Thus, and thus lowers again, leg, arm and foot!"
—Ensuring due correctness in the nude.
Which done, is all done? Not a whit, ye know!
He,—to art's surface rising from her depth,—
If some flax-polled soft-bearded sire be found,
May simulate a Joseph, (happy chance!)—
Limneth exact each wrinkle of the brow,
Loseth no involution, cheek or chap,
Till lo, in black and white, the senior lives!
Is it a young and comely peasant-nurse

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poem by Robert Browning from The Ring and the Book
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