The Literary Page

A light hearted diversion from a very serious matter

Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll

From Chapter 3

`In that case,' said the Dodo solemnly, rising to its feet, `I move that the meeting adjourn, for the immediate adoption of more energetic remedies--'

`Speak English!' said the Eaglet. `I don't know the meaning of half those long words, and, what's more, I don't believe you do either!'

The Hunting of the Snark (an Agony, in Eight Fits by Lewis Carroll)

``Just the place for a Snark! I have said it twice:
That alone should encourage the crew.
Just the place for a Snark! I have said it thrice:
What I tell you three times is true.''

(from Fit the First.)

Middlemarch George Eliot

" . . . before anything was known of Lydgate's skill, the judgements on it had naturally been divided, depending on a sense of likelihood, situated perhaps in the pit of the stomach, or in the pineal gland, and differing in its verdicts, but not less valuable as a guide in the total deficit of evidence."

(Chapter 45)

Frederick the Great of Prussia (1712-86) (ascribed)

My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please