Ben Jonson Quotes

Many might go to heaven with half the labor they go to hell.

A Song To Celia

Drink to me, only with thine eyes
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss but in the cup,
And I’ll not look for wine.
The thirst that from the soul doth rise
Doth ask a drink divine:
But might I of Jove’s nectar sup
I would not change for thine.

I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much honouring thee
As giving it a hope that there
It could not withered be
But thou thereon didst only breath
And sent’st it back to me:
Since, when it grows and smells, I swear,
Not of itself but thee.

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

If he were To be made honest by an act of parliament I should not alter in my faith of him.

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

He was not of an age, but for all time.

Sweet swan of Avon! what a sight it were To see thee in our water yet appear, And make those flights upon the banks of Thames, That so did take Eliza, and our James. But stay, I see thee in the hemisphere Advanc'd, and made a constellation there! Shine forth, thou star of poets, and with rage, Or influence, chide, or cheer the drooping stage, Which, since thy flight from hence, hath mourn'd like night, And despairs day, but for thy volumes light.

There's reason good, that you good laws should make: Men's manners ne'er were viler, for your sake.

It is as great a spite to be praised in the wrong place, and by a wrong person, as can be done to a noble nature.

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.

I will eat exceedingly, and prophesy.

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

drink to the cause, and pure vapours

The Devil is an Ass, I do acknowledge it.

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

(2. 7. 8-9)