John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
David Everett 1769-1813 John Bartlett
| 1 |
| You ’d scarce expect one of my age To speak in public on the stage; And if I chance to fall below Demosthenes or Cicero, Don’t view me with a critic’s eye, But pass my imperfections by. Large streams from little fountains flow, Tall oaks from little acorns grow. 1 |
| Lines written for a School Declamation. |
| Note 1. The lofty oak from a small acorn grows.—Lewis Duncombe (1711–1730): De Minimus Maxima (translation). [back] |