Hoyt & Roberts, comps. Hoyts New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. 1922.
Astronomy
It does at first appear that an astronomer rapt in abstraction, while he gazes on a star, must feel more exquisite delight than a farmer who is conducting his team. Isaac DIsraeliLiterary Character of Men of Genius. On Habituating Ourselves to an Individual Pursuit.
And God made two great lights, great for their use To man, the greater to have rule by day, The less by night, altern. MiltonParadise Lost. Bk. VII. L. 346.
My lord, they say five moons were seen tonight: Four fixed, and the fifth did whirl about The other four in wondrous motion. King John. Act IV. Sc. 2. L. 182.
These earthly godfathers of heavens lights That give a name to every fixed star Have no more profit of their shining nights Than those that walk, and wot not what they are. Loves Labours Lost. Act I. Sc. 1. L. 88.
O how loud It calls devotion! genuine growth of night! Devotion! daughter of Astronomy! An undevout Astronomer is mad. YoungNight Thoughts. Night IX. L. 774.