I cannot talk with civet in the room, A fine puss-gentleman that's all perfume.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author expresses distaste for superficiality and excessive refinement in company.
- In plain terms
- He dislikes people who seem too polished and fragrant like perfumed cats.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid company that feels overly artificial or polished.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What counts as too polished in company?
- How do you value authenticity?
Another view
Politeness and refinement can be valuable in certain social contexts.
More from William Cowper
Pernicious weed! whose scent the fair annoys, Unfriendly to society's chief joys, Thy worst effect is banishing for hours The sex whose presence civilizes ours.
Permalink to quote #41 The solemn fop; significant and budge; A fool with judges, amongst fools a judge.
Permalink to quote #43 A moral, sensible, and well-bred man Will not affront me, and no other can.
Permalink to quote #40
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