Henry Wotton Quotes

Lord of himself, though not of lands;
And having nothing, yet hath all.

Hic jacet hujus sententiæ primus author:
DISPUTANDI PRURITUS ECCLESIARUM SCABIES.
Nomen alias quære.

An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the commonwealth.

The itch of disputing will prove the scab of churches.

I am but a gatherer and disposer of other men's stuff.

Hanging was the worst use a man could be put to.

Who God doth late and early pray,
More of his grace than gifts to send,
And entertains the harmless day
With a well-chosen book or friend.

How happy is he born and taught,
That serveth not another's will;
Whose armor is his honest thought,
And simple truth his utmost skill!

Advised a young diplomat "to tell the truth, and so puzzle and confound his enemies."

He first deceased; she for a little tried
To live without him, liked it not, and died.

You meaner beauties of the night,
That poorly satisfy our eyes
More by your number than your light;
You common people of the skies,
What are you when the sun shall rise?

Love lodged in a woman's breast
Is but a guest.