James Merrick. 1720-1769. John Bartlett, comp. 1919. Familiar Quotations, 10th ed.

John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.

James Merrick. (1720–1769)

Not what we wish, but what we want,
Oh, let thy grace supply! 1

Hymn.

Oft has it been my lot to mark
A proud, conceited, talking spark.

The Chameleon.

Note 1.
[greek] (Let not that happen which I wish, but that which is right.—Menander: Fragment. [back]