To die for faction is a common evil, But to be hanged for nonsense is the devil.
JOHN DRYDENTo die for faction is a common evil, But to be hanged for nonsense is the devil.
JOHN DRYDENA narrow mind begets obstinacy; we do not easily believe what we cannot see.
JOHN DRYDENIt is a madness to make fortune the mistress of events, because in herself she is nothing, can rule nothing, but is ruled by prudence.
JOHN DRYDENWhat precious drops are those, Which silently each other’s track pursue, Bright as young diamonds in their faint dew?
JOHN DRYDENWhen I consider life, it is all a cheat. Yet fooled with hope, people favor this deceit.
JOHN DRYDENHe is a perpetual fountain of good sense.
JOHN DRYDENThe glorious lamp of heaven, the radiant sun, Is Nature’s eye.
JOHN DRYDENPride – Lord of human kind.
JOHN DRYDENForgiveness to the injured does belong; but they ne’er pardon who have done wrong.
JOHN DRYDENBeauty, like ice, our footing does betray; Who can tread sure on the smooth, slippery way: Pleased with the surface, we glide swiftly on, And see the dangers that we cannot shun.
JOHN DRYDENOld as I am, for ladies’ love unfit, The power of beauty I remember yet.
JOHN DRYDENAt home the hateful names of parties cease, And factious souls are wearied into peace.
JOHN DRYDENFowls, by winter forced, forsake the floods, and wing their hasty flight to happier lands.
JOHN DRYDENPoliticians neither love nor hate.
JOHN DRYDENSculptors are obliged to follow the manners of the painters, and to make many ample folds, which are unsufferable hardness, and more like a rock than a natural garment.
JOHN DRYDENAll empire is no more than power in trust.
JOHN DRYDEN