The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

7.44 C. P. Scott 1846-1932
A newspaper is of necessity something of a monopoly, and its first duty is to shun the
temptations of monopoly. Its primary office is the gathering of news. At the peril of its soul it
must see that the supply is not tainted. Neither in what it gives, nor in what it does not give, nor
in the mode of presentation must the unclouded face of truth suffer wrong. Comment is free, but
facts are sacred.
‘Manchester Guardian’ 5 May 1921
7.45 Robert Falcon Scott 1868-1912
Great God! this is an awful place.
Of the South Pole: Journal, 17 January 1912, in ‘Scott’s Last Expedition’ (1913) vol. 1, ch. 18
For God’s sake look after our people.
Last journal entry, 29 March 1912, in ‘Scott’s Last Expedition’ (1913) vol. 1, ch. 20
Make the boy interested in natural history if you can; it is better than games.
Last letter to his wife, in ‘Scott’s Last Expedition’ (1913) vol. 1, ch. 20
Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance, and courage of my
companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our
dead bodies must tell the tale.
‘Message to the Public’, in late edition of ‘The Times’ 11 February 1913, and the following day: ‘Scott’s
Last Expedition’ (1913) vol. 1, ch. 20
7.46 Sir Walter Scott 1771-1832
The valiant Knight of Triermain
Rung forth his challenge-blast again,
But answer came there none.
‘The Bridal of Triermain’ (1813) canto 3, st. 10
To the Lords of Convention ’twas Claver’se who spoke,
’Ere the King’s crown shall fall there are crowns to be broke;
So let each cavalier who loves honour and me,
Come follow the bonnet of Bonny Dundee.
Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can,
Come saddle your horses, and call up your men;
Come open the West Port, and let me gang free,
And it’s room for the bonnets of Bonny Dundee!’
‘The Doom of Devorgoil’ (1830) act 2, sc. 2 ‘Bonny Dundee’.
His ready speech flowed fair and free,
In phrase of gentlest courtesy;
Yet seemed that tone, and gesture bland,
Less used to sue than to command.
‘The Lady of the Lake’ (1810) canto 1, st. 21