As it is a great point of art, when our matter requires it, to enlarge and veer out all sail, so to take it in and contract it is of no less praise when the argument doth ask it.
BEN JONSONNo glass renders a man’s form or likeness so true as his speech.
More Ben Jonson Quotes
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I have discovered that a famed familiarity in great ones is a note of certain usurpation on the less; for great and popular men feign themselves to be servants to others to make those slaves to them.
BEN JONSON -
Nothing is more short-lived than pride.
BEN JONSON -
How near to good is what is fair!
BEN JONSON -
If all you boast of your great art be true; Sure, willing poverty lives most in you.
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 -
Whosoever 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 JONSON -
It is less dishonor to hear imperfectly than to speak imperfectly. The ears are excused; the understanding is not.
BEN JONSON -
Silence in woman is like speech in man.
BEN JONSON -
Books are faithful repositories, which may be awhile neglected or forgotten, but when they are opened again, will again impart their instruction.
BEN JONSON -
To the old, long life and treasure; To the young, all health and pleasure.
BEN JONSON -
If men will impartially, and not asquint, look toward the offices and function of a poet, they will easily conclude to themselves the impossibility of any man’s being a good poet without first being a good man.
BEN JONSON -
The way to rise is to obey and please.
BEN JONSON -
Heaven prepares good men with crosses; but no ill can happen to a good man.
BEN JONSON -
Minds that are great and free, should not on fortune pause: ‘Tis crown enough to virtue still, her own applause.
BEN JONSON -
I glory, more in the cunning purchase of my wealth than in the glad possession.
BEN JONSON