16 APRIL 1927, Page 16

CYNICAL OR INSPIRING ?

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—In your issue of April 2nd (p. 587) a certain writer speaks of " the significance of that wise French proverb that the best is the enemy of the good." Up to the time of the War I had always heard it said that the good was the enemy of the best. Of these two statements, the one cynical, the other inspiring, which is the original and which the parody ?- I am, Sir, &c., A. NEAvi BRAYSIIAW, 72 Westborough, Scarborough.

[The correct quotation, which is taken from Voltaire, La 'Begueule, is :—

" Dans ses bcrita un sage Italien Dit que he mieux est l'ennemi du bien."

—En. Spectator.]