I would rather have a plain down-right wisdom than a foolish and affected eloquence.
BEN JONSONFollow a shadow, it still flies you, Seem to fly, it will pursue: So court a mistress, she denies you; Let her alone, she will court you. Say are not women truly, then, Styled but the shadows of us men?
More Ben Jonson Quotes
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Weigh the meaning and look not at the words.
BEN JONSON -
No glass renders a man’s form or likeness so true as his speech.
BEN JONSON -
Folly often goes beyond her bounds, but impudence knows none.
BEN JONSON -
Give 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 JONSON -
Our whole life is like a play.
BEN JONSON -
Guilt’s a terrible thing.
BEN JONSON -
I do honor the very flea of his dog.
BEN JONSON -
Well, I will scourge those apes, And to these courteous eyes oppose a mirror, As large as is the stage whereon we act; Where they shall see the time’s deformity Anatomised in every nerve, and sinew, With constant courage, and contempt of fear.
BEN JONSON -
Soul of the age! The applause! delight! The wonder of our stage!
BEN JONSON -
Ambition, 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 JONSON -
Sweet meat must have sour sauce.
BEN JONSON -
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 -
Silence in woman is like speech in man.
BEN JONSON -
Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
BEN JONSON -
Ambition, like a torrent, never looks back.
BEN JONSON