Ben Jonson Quotes

CORV: Honour! tut, a breath: There's no such thing, in nature: a mere term Invented to awe fools.

Though the most be players, some must be spectators.

Memory, of all the powers of the mind, is the most delicate and frail.

Hang sorrow! care'll kill a cat.

Whilst that for which all virtue now is sold, And almost every vice — almighty gold.

No, I do know that I was born
To age, misfortune, sickness, grief:
But I will bear these with that scorn
As shall not need thy false relief.

Nor for my peace will I go far,
As wanderers do, that still do roam;
But make my strengths, such as they are,
Here in my bosom, and at home.

He wil sooner lose his best friend, then his least jest.

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.

Earth, let not thy envious shade
Dare itself to interpose,
Cynthia's shining orb was made
Heaven to clear when day did close:
Bless us then with wished sight,
Goddess excellently bright.

Lay thy bow of pearl apart,
And thy crystal-shining quiver,
Give unto the flying hart
Space to breath, how short soever:
Thou that mak'st a day of night-
Goddess excellently bright.

Of all wild beasts preserve me from a tyrant; and of all tame, a flatterer.

Soul of the age! The applause! delight! The wonder of our stage!

Do not I know if women have a will
They'll do 'gainst all the watches o'the world?

(2. 7. 8-9)

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Have paid scot and lot there any time this eighteen years.

Thy worst. I fart at thee.

Language most shows a man; speak that I may see thee