Since a true knowledge of nature gives us pleasure, a lively imitation of it, either in poetry or painting, must produce a much greater; for both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.
JOHN DRYDENSince a true knowledge of nature gives us pleasure, a lively imitation of it, either in poetry or painting, must produce a much greater; for both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.
JOHN DRYDENFreedom which in no other land will thrive, Freedom an English subject’s sole prerogative.
JOHN DRYDENThey, who would combat general authority with particular opinion, must first establish themselves a reputation of understanding better than other men.
JOHN DRYDENWelcome, thou kind deceiver! Thou best of thieves; who, with an easy key, Dost open life, and, unperceived by us, Even steal us from ourselves.
JOHN DRYDENOur vows are heard betimes! and Heaven takes care To grant, before we can conclude the prayer: Preventing angels met it half the way, And sent us back to praise, who came to pray.
JOHN DRYDENAs one that neither seeks, nor shuns his foe.
JOHN DRYDENSet all things in their own peculiar place, and know that order is the greatest grace.
JOHN DRYDENTime glides with undiscover’d haste; The future but a length behind the past.
JOHN DRYDENSelf-defense is Nature’s eldest law.
JOHN DRYDENHere lies my wife: here let her lie! Now she’s at rest, and so am I.
JOHN DRYDENLove is love’s reward.
JOHN DRYDENLove works a different way in different minds, the fool it enlightens and the wise it blinds.
JOHN DRYDENThere is a pleasure in being mad, which none but madmen know.
JOHN DRYDENForgiveness to the injured does belong; but they ne’er pardon who have done wrong.
JOHN DRYDENThe sooner you treat your son as a man, the sooner he will be one.
JOHN DRYDENHim of the western dome, whose weighty sense Flows in fit words and heavenly eloquence.
JOHN DRYDEN