Books cannot always please, however good;

Minds are not ever craving for their food.

George Crabbe (1754-1832): The Borough. Letter xxiv. Schools.

Fireside happiness, to hours of ease

Blest with that charm, the certainty to please.

Samuel Rogers (1763-1855): Human Life.

For we that live to please must please to live.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Prologue on the Opening of Drury Lane Theatre.

Whate'er he did was done with so much ease,

In him alone 't was natural to please.

John Dryden (1631-1701): Absalom and Achitophel. Part i. Line 27.

Studious to please, yet not ashamed to fail.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Prologue to the Tragedy of Irene.

Who pepper'd the highest was surest to please.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): Retaliation. Line 112.

O woman! in our hours of ease

Uncertain, coy, and hard to please,

And variable as the shade

By the light quivering aspen made;

When pain and anguish wring the brow,

A ministering angel thou!

Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832): Marmion. Canto vi. Stanza 30.

And if it please you, so; if not, why, so.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Act ii. Sc. 1.