Foil

Famous quotes containing the word foil:

“Learning is, in too many cases, but a foil to common sense; a substitute for true knowledge. Books are less often made use of as “spectacles” to look at nature with, than as blinds to keep out its strong light and shifting scenery from weak eyes and indolent dispositions.... The learned are mere literary drudges.”
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830)

“the stars turn slowly
in the blue foil beside them
like the eyes of a mild savior.”
—James Tate (b. 1943)

“Within his crib is surest ward,
This little babe will be thy guard,
If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy,
Then flit not from this heavenly boy.”
—Robert Southwell (1561?–1595)