Pope had been flattered till ...

Pope had been flattered till he thought himself one of the moving powers of the system of life. When he talked of laying down his pen, those who sat round him intreated and implored; and self-love did not suffer him to suspect that they went away and laughed.
Pope had been flattered till he thought himself one of the moving powers of the system of life. When he talked of laying down his pen, those who sat round him intreated and implored; and self-love did not suffer him to suspect that they went away and laughed.
 Samuel Johnson

Quotes from the same author

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.
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 Samuel Johnson
To keep your secret is wisdom; but to expect others to keep it is folly.
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 Samuel Johnson
Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.
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 Samuel Johnson
Memory is the mother of all wisdom.
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 Samuel Johnson
Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions.
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 Samuel Johnson