Matthew Prior Quotes

Nobles and heralds, by your leave,
Here lies what once was Matthew Prior;
The son of Adam and of Eve:
Can Bourbon or Nassau claim higher?

Our hopes, like towering falcons, aim
At objects in an airy height;
The little pleasure of the game
Is from afar to view the flight.

And thought the nation ne'er would thrive
Till all the whores were burnt alive.

Now fitted the halter, now traversed the cart,
And often took leave, but was loth to depart.

From ignorance our comfort flows.
The only wretched are the wise.

Odds life! must one swear to the truth of a song?

That if weak women went astray,
Their stars were more in fault than they.

A Rechabite poor Will must live,
And drink of Adam's ale.

The end must justify the means.