"I do not mean to be disrespectful, but the attempt of the Lords to stop the progress of reform reminds me very forcibly of the great storm at Sidmouth, and of the conduct of the excellent Mrs Partington on that occasion. In the winter of 1824 there set in a great flood upon that town — the tide rose to an incredible height — the waves rushed in upon the houses, and everything was threatened with destruction. In the midst of this sublime and terrible storm, Dame Partington, who lived upon the beach, was seen at the door of her house with mop and pattens, trundling her mop, squeezing out the sea-water, and vigorously pushing away the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused; Mrs. Partington's spirit was up. But I need not tell you that the contest was unequal. The Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington."
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Philosophers from EnglandAnglicans from the United KingdomPeople from LondonCritics from the United KingdomClergy from England
Original Language: English
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Speech at Taunton (1813)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Sydney_Smith
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Sydney Smith
Sydney Smith (3 June 1771 – 22 February 1845) was an English clergyman, critic, philosopher and wit.
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