Better have failed in the high aim, as I,

Than vulgarly in the low aim succeed,—

As, God be thanked! I do not.

Robert Browning (1812-1890): The Inn Album. iv.

O happiness! our being's end and aim!

Good, pleasure, ease, content! whate'er thy name:

That something still which prompts the eternal sigh,

For which we bear to live, or dare to die.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Essay on Man. Epistle iv. Line 1.