John Dryden Quotes

17th-century English poet and playwright (1631–1700)

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John Dryden (19 August 1631 {9 August O.S.} – 12 May 1700 {1 May O.S.}) was an influential English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright. He was Poet Laureate, 1668–1689.

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Plots, true or false, are necessary things,
To raise up commonwealths and ruin kings.

Words, once my stock, are wanting to commend
So great a poet and so good a friend.

I am reading Jonson's verses to the memory of Shakespeare; an insolent, sparing, and invidious panegyric.

From Plots and Treasons Heaven preserve my years,
But Save me most from my Petitioners.
Unsatiate as the barren Womb or Grave;
God cannot Grant so much as they can Crave.

Great wits are sure to madness near allied, and thin partitions do their bounds divide.

Thus in a pageant-show a plot is made;
And peace itself is war in masquerade.

Thus like a Captive in an Isle confin'd,
Man walks at large, a Pris'ner of the Mind

And new-laid eggs, which Baucis' busy care
Turned by a gentle fire, and roasted rare.

Where'e're I go, my Soul shall stay with thee:
'Tis but my Shadow I take away...

Love is a passion which kindles honor into noble acts.

Whatever is, is in its causes just;
But purblind man
Sees but a part o' th' chain; the nearest link;
His eyes not carrying to that equal beam
That poises all above.

Hati-hati terhadap kemarahan orang yang penyabar.

A very merry, dancing, drinking,
Laughing, quaffing, and unthinkable time.

Timotheus, to his breathing flute, And sounding lyre,
Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire.

For Life is the means, but Love’s the end. [IV.4.73]