Top 12 Henry Wotton Quotes

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

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

The itch of disputing will prove the scab of churches.

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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!