"The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it."

"When Bishop Berkeley said, "there was no matter," And proved it—'twas no matter what he said."

"'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch, For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch."

"Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men above ourselves; but to confirm and establish our opinio…"

""Or he might say: 'Whereas some recluses and brahmins, while living on the food offered by the faithful, engage in wr…"

"And there began a lang digression About the lords o' the creation."

"He'd undertake to prove, by force Of argument, a man's no horse. He'd prove a buzzard is no fowl, And that a Lord may…"

"Whatever Sceptic could inquire for, For every why he had a wherefore."

"I've heard old cunning stagers Say, fools for arguments use wagers."

"He whose will and desire in conversation is to establish his own opinion, even though what he says is true, should re…"