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For they have the authority of years, and out of their intermission do win to themselves a kind of grace-like newness. But the eldest of the present, and newest of the past Language, is the best.

Ben Jonson

It holds for good polity ever, to have that outwardly in vilest estimation, which inwardly is most dear to us.
BEN JONSON

Dear Estimation Hypocrisy
Language most shows a man, speak that I may see thee.
BEN JONSON

Leadership May Men
There is no bounty to be showed to such As have real goodness: Bounty is A spice of virtue; and what virtuous act Can take effect on them that have no power Of equal habitude to apprehend it?
BEN JONSON

Real Spices Virtue
The Devil is an Ass , I do acknowledge it.
BEN JONSON

Acknowledge Ass Devil
Sweet meat must have sour sauce.
BEN JONSON

Meat Swans Sweet
I’ll give anything for a good copy now, be it true or false, so it be news.
BEN JONSON

False Giving News True
The day For whose returns, and many, all these pray; And so do I.
BEN JONSON

Birthday Praying Return
True melancholy breeds your perfect fine wit.
BEN JONSON

Fine Melancholy Perfect Wit
It is less dishonor to hear imperfectly than to speak imperfectly. The ears are excused; the understanding is not.
BEN JONSON

Ears Speak Understanding
It strikes! one, two, Three, four, five, six. Enough, enough, dear watch, Thy pulse hath beat enough. Now sleep and rest; Would thou could’st make the time to do so too; I’ll wind thee up no more.
BEN JONSON

Enough Pulse Sleep Time Wind
Court a mistress, she denies you; let her alone, she will court you.
BEN JONSON

Court Deny Mistress
Ambition, like a torrent, never looks back.
BEN JONSON

Ambition Inspiration Looks
I feel my griefs too, and there scarce is ground Upon my flesh t’inflict another wound. Yet dare I not complain, or wish for death With holy Paul; lest it be thought the breath Of discontent; or that these prayers be For weariness of life, not love of thee.
BEN JONSON

Another Grief Prayer Weariness Wish Wound
He threatens many that hath injured one.
BEN JONSON

Crime Injured Threaten
A lily of a day Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that night, It was the plant and flower of light. In small proportions we just beauties see, And in short measures life may perfect be.
BEN JONSON

Die Fall Flower Night Proportion
A good king is a public servant.
BEN JONSON

Good King Kings Servant

For they have the authority of years, and out of their intermission do win to themselves a kind of grace-like newness. But the eldest of the present, and newest of the past Language, is the best.

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For they have the authority of years, and out of their intermission do win to themselves a kind of grace-like newness. But the eldest of the present, and newest of the past Language, is the best.

Related Topics

Popular Authors

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