Robert Blair

Robert Blair (1699 – 4 February 1746) was a Scottish poet. Quotes The Grave (1743) The Grave, dread thing!Men shiver when thou 'rt named: Nature, appall'd,Shakes off her wonted firmness. Part I, line 9. The Schoolboy, with his satchel in his hand,Whistling aloud to bear his courage up. Part I, line 58. Compare: "Whistling to keep myself from being afraid", John Dryden, Amphitryon Act iii, scene 1. Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul!Sweetener of life! and solder of society! Part I, line 88. Of joys departed,Not to return, how painful the remembrance! Part I, line 109. But if there be an hereafter,And that there is, conscience, uninfluenc'dAnd suffer'd to speak out, tells every man,Then must it be an awful thing to die;More horrid yet to die by one's own hand. Part I, line 398. Our time is fixed, and all our days are number'd;How long, how short, we know not:—this we know,Duty requires we calmly wait the summons,Nor dare to stir till Heaven shall give permission. Part I, line 417. The cup goes round:And who so artful as to put it by!'T is long since Death had the majority. Part II, line 449. The good he scorn'dStalk'd off reluctant, like an ill-used ghost,Not to return; or if it did, in visitsLike those of angels, short and far between. Part II, line 586. Compare: "Like angels’ visits, short and bright", John Norris, The Parting. The common damn'd shun their society. Referring to suicides in Hell. Attributed to Lamb, but not found in his works. External links Robert Blair (poet) Robert Blair (poet) Category:Poets from Scotland Category:1746 deaths Category:People from Edinburgh