Alas, regardless of their doom, the little victims play! No sense have they of ills to come, nor care beyond to-day.
– Thomas Gray
Commerce changes the fate and genius of nations.
– Thomas Gray
Each in his narrow cell for ever laid, the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.
– Thomas Gray
Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn.
– Thomas Gray
Sweet is the breath of vernal shower,The bee's collected treasures sweet,Sweet music's melting full, but sweeter yetThe still small voice of gratitude.
– Thomas Gray
The paths of glory lead but to the grave.
– Thomas Gray
Too poor for a bribe, and too proud to importune, he had not the method of making a fortune.
– Thomas Gray
Visions of glory, spare my aching sight.
– Thomas Gray
Youth smiles without any reason. It is one of its chiefest charms.
– Thomas Gray
Yet ah! why should they know their fate? Since sorrow never comes too late, And happiness too swiftly flies. Thought would destroy their paradise. No more; where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise.