Thomas Warton

Ye fetted pinnacles, ye fanes sublime,Hail ! Oxford, hail !

— Thomas Warton

O! what's a table richly spreadWithout a woman at its head!

— Thomas Warton

We are apt to form romantic and exaggerated notions about the moral innocence of our ancestors. Ages of ignorance and simplicity are thought to be ages of purity. The direct contrary, I believe, is the case...In the middle ages, not only the most flagrant violations of modesty were frequently practised and permitted, but the most infamous vices. Men are less ashamed as they are less polished.

— Thomas Warton

Nor rough, nor barren, are the winding waysOf hoar antiquity, but strown with flowers.

— Thomas Warton

All human race, from China to Peru, Pleasure, howe’er disguis’d by art, pursue.

— Thomas Warton