Thomas Noon Talfourd



Sir Thomas Noon Talfourd (May 26, 1795 – March 13, 1854) was an English judge and author.

Ion (1835)

 * So his life has flowed From its mysterious urn a sacred stream, In whose calm depth the beautiful and pure Alone are mirrored; which, though shapes of ill May hover round its surface, glides in light, And takes no shadow from them.
 * Act i. Sc. 1.


 * ’T is a little thing To give a cup of water; yet its draught Of cool refreshment, drained by fevered lips, May give a shock of pleasure to the frame More exquisite than when nectarean juice Renews the life of joy in happiest hours.
 * Act i. Sc. 2.


 * Fill the seats of justice With good men, not so absolute in goodness As to forget what human frailty is.
 * Act v.


 * In ourselves In our own honest hearts and chainless hands Will be our safeguard:
 * Act v.


 * Nevermore Let the great interests of the State depend Upon the thousand chances that may sway A piece of human frailty; swear to me That ye will seek hereafter in yourselves The means of sovereignty.
 * Act v.