Success hath made me wanton.
BEN JONSONSuccess hath made me wanton.
BEN JONSONThe dignity of truth is lost with much protesting.
BEN JONSONAmbition, like a torrent, ne’er looks back; And is a swelling, and the last affection A high mind can put off; being both a rebel Unto the soul and reason, and enforceth All laws, all conscience, treads upon religion, and offereth violence to nature’s self.
BEN JONSONI would rather have a plain down-right wisdom than a foolish and affected eloquence.
BEN JONSONWho falls for love of God, shall rise a star.
BEN JONSONForbear, you things That stand upon the pinnacles of state, To boast your slippery height! when you do fall, You dash yourselves in pieces, ne’er to rise: And he that lends you pity, is not wise.
BEN JONSONTis the common disease of all your musicians that they know no mean, to be entreated, either to begin or end.
BEN JONSONIt is a note Of upstart greatness to observe and watch For these poor trifles, which the noble mind Neglects and scorns.
BEN JONSONO! How vain and vile a passion is this fear! What base uncomely things it makes men do.
BEN JONSONWhen a virtuous man is raised, it brings gladness to his friends, grief to his enemies, and glory to his posterity.
BEN JONSONSuccess produces confidence; confidence relaxes industry, and negligence ruins the reputation which accuracy had raised.
BEN JONSONWhat excellent fools religion makes of men.
BEN JONSONGive me a look, give me a face, That makes simplicity a grace Robes loosely flowing, hair as free Such sweet neglect more taketh me Than all the adulteries of art: They strike mine eyes, but not my heart.
BEN JONSONWhosoever loves not picture is injurious to truth, and all the wisdom of poetry. Picture is the invention of heaven, the most ancient and most akin to nature. It is itself a silent work, and always one and the same habit.
BEN JONSONOf all wild beasts preserve me from a tyrant; and of all tame a flatterer.
BEN JONSONHe that would have his virtue published, is not the servant of virtue, but glory.
BEN JONSON