Grocott & Ward, comps. Grocott’s Familiar Quotations, 6th ed. 189-?.
Distance
She pleased while distant, but when near she charm’d.
Shenstone.—The Judgment of Hercules, Line 96.
’Tis distance lends enchantment to the view,
And robes the mountain in its azure hue.
Campbell.—Pleasures of Hope, Part I.
Wishes, like painted landscapes, best delight,
Whilst distance recommends them to the sight;
Plac’d afar off, they beautiful appear:
But show their coarse and nauseous colours, near.
Dr. Yalden.—Against Enjoyment, Line 25.
As distant prospects please us, but when near
We find but desert rocks and fleeting air.
Dr. Garth.—The Dispensary, Canto III. Line 27.