Ben Jonson Quotes

That old bald cheater, Time.

Greatness of name in the father oft-times overwhelms the son; they stand too near one another. The shadow kills the growth: so much, that we see the grandchild come more and oftener to be heir of the first.

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.

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

He knows not his own strength that hath not met adversity.

As he brews, so shall he drink.

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.

Reader, look, Not at his picture, but his book.

So breaks the sun earth's rugged chains, Wherein rude winter bound her veins; So grows both stream and source of price, That lately fettered were with ice. So naked trees get crispèd heads, And coloured coats the roughest meads, And all get vigour, youth and spright, That are but looked on by his light.

It is an art to have so much judgment as to apparel a lie well, to give it a good dressing.

I will eat exceedingly, and prophesy.

Thy worst. I fart at thee.

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 honoring thee As giving it a hope that there It could not withered be. But thou thereon didst only breathe, And sent'st it back to me; Since when it grows and smells, I swear, Not of itself, but thee.

I loved the man and do honor his memory, on this side idolatry, as much as any.

A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night — It was the plant and flower of Light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.