John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
Alfonso X (the Wise) 1221-1284 John Bartlett
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| Had I been present at the creation, I would have given some useful hints for the better ordering of the universe. 1 |
| Note 1. Carlyle says, in his “History of Frederick the Great,” book ii. chap. vii. that this saying of Alphonso about Ptolemy’s astronomy, “that it seemed a crank machine; that it was pity the Creator had not taken advice,” is still remembered by mankind,—this and no other of his many sayings. [back] |