And he that strives to touch the stars Oft stumbles at a straw.
EDMUND SPENSERAnd he that strives to touch the stars Oft stumbles at a straw.
EDMUND SPENSERThe fish once caught, new bait will hardly bite.
EDMUND SPENSERWho would ever care to do brave deed, Or strive in virtue others to excel, If none should yield him his deserved meed Due praise, that is the spur of doing well? For if good were not praised more than ill, None would choose goodness of his own free will.
EDMUND SPENSERAll sorts of flowers the which on earth do spring In goodly colours gloriously arrayed; Go to my love, where she is careless laid.
EDMUND SPENSERMen, when their actions succeed not as they would, are always ready to impute the blame thereof to heaven, so as to excuse their own follies.
EDMUND SPENSERThe man whom nature’s self had made to mock herself, and truth to imitate.
EDMUND SPENSERFresh spring the herald of love’s mighty king.
EDMUND SPENSERDiscord oft in music makes the sweeter lay.
EDMUND SPENSERThankfulness is the tune of angels.
EDMUND SPENSERIn one consort there sat cruel revenge and rancorous despite, disloyal treason and heart-burning hate.
EDMUND SPENSERMake haste therefore, sweet love, whilst it is prime, For none can call again the passed time.
EDMUND SPENSERSweet breathing Zephyrus did softly play, A gentle spirit, that lightly did delay Hot Titan’s beams, which then did glister fair.
EDMUND SPENSERWoe to the man that first did teach the cursed steel to bite in his own flesh, and make way to the living spirit!
EDMUND SPENSERLaws ought to be fashioned unto the manners and conditions of the people whom they are meant to benefit, and not imposed upon them according to the simple rule of right.
EDMUND SPENSERFull little knowest thou that hast not tried, What hell it is in suing long to bide: To loose good dayes, that might be better spent; To waste long nights in pensive discontent; To speed to-day, to be put back to-morrow; To feed on hope, to pine with feare and sorrow.
EDMUND SPENSERWho will not mercy unto others show, How can he mercy ever hope to have?
EDMUND SPENSER