# The Rape of the Lock

- Author: [Alexander Pope](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-pope.md)
- Quotes: 21
- Book page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexander-pope/the-rape-of-the-lock

## Quotes

> The hungry judges soon the sentence sign,
>
> And wretches hang that jurymen may dine.

> What dire offence from amorous causes springs,
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> What mighty contests rise from trivial things!

> Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll;
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> Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.

> Coffee, which makes the politician wise,
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> And see through all things with his half-shut eyes.

> But when mischief mortals bend their will,
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> How soon they find fit instruments of ill!

> Whether the nymph shall break Diana's law,
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> Or some frail China jar receive a flaw,
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> Or stain her honour, or her new brocade,
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> Forget her prayers, or miss a masquerade.

> They shift the moving toyshop of their heart.

> Here thou, great Anna! whom three realms obey,
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> Dost sometimes counsel take — and sometimes tea.

> On her white breast a sparkling cross she wore
>
> Which Jews might kiss, and infidels adore.

> "Boast not my fall (he cried), insulting foe!
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> Thou by some other shalt be laid as low;
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> Nor think to die dejects my lofty mind;
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> All that I dread is leaving you behind!
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> Rather than so, ah let me still survive,
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> And burn in Cupid's flames — but burn alive."

> Now lap-dogs give themselves the rousing shake,
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> And sleepless lovers, just at twelve, awake.

> This casket India's glowing gems unlocks
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> And all Arabia breathes from yonder box.

> Bright as the sun, her eyes the gazers strike,
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> And, like the sun, they shine on all alike.

> Not louder shrieks to pitying heav'n are cast,
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> When husbands, or when lapdogs, breathe their last.

> Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare,
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> And beauty draws us with a single hair.

> Let spades be trumps! she said, and trumps they were.

> If to her share some female errors fall,
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> Look on her face, and you'll forget 'em all.

> At every word a reputation dies.

> The meeting points the sacred hair dissever
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> From the fair head, forever, and forever!
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> Then flashed the living lightning from her eyes,
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> And screams of horror rend th' affrighted skies.

> Sir Plume, of amber snuff-box justly vain,
>
> And the nice conduct of a clouded cane.

> Belinda smiled, and all the world was gay.