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by Droyvig on July 12th, 2009
Although known in Latin (humanum est errare, it is human to err) and in earlier English versions, this saying is generally quoted in Pope's words (quot. 1711). Cf. [c 1386 Chaucer Tale of Melibee l. 1264] The proverbe seith that ‘for to do synne is mannyssh, but certes for to persevere longe in synne is werk of the devel’; [1539 R. Morison tr. J. L. Vives' Introduction to Wisdom D7] It is naturally gyuen to al men, to erre, but to no man to perseuer‥therein.
To offend is humaine, to repent diuine, and to perseuere diuelish.[1578 H. Wotton tr. J. Yver's Courtly Controversy E3]
To erre is humane, to repent is divine, to persevere is Diabolicall.[1659 J. Howell Proverbs (French) 12]
Good-Nature and Good-Sense must ever join; To Err is Humane; to Forgive, Divine.[1711 Pope Essay on Criticism l. 525]
The modern moralist pardons everything, because he is not certain of anything, except that to err is human.
[1908 Times Literary Supplement 27 Mar. 1]
To err is human, to forgive divine: and the police have now taken up the role of divinities, making allowances for wrongdoers instead of apprehending them.
[2000 T. Dalrymple Life at Bottom (2001) 222]
- submitted by Mr. Wilbert A. Nahil >droyvig@yahoo.com<
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