William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling Quotes

To love and be beloved, this is the good,
Which for most sovereign all the world will prove.

I sing the sabbath of eternal rest.

What thing so good which not some harm may bring?
Even to be happy is a dangerous thing.

O if thou knew’st how thou thyself dost harm,
And dost prejudge thy bliss, and spoil my rest;
Then thou would’st melt the ice out of thy breast
And thy relenting heart would kindly warm.

Words but direct, example must allure.

When policy puts on religious cloak.

The world's chief idol, nurse of fretting cares,
Dumb trafficker, yet understood o'er all.

His birthright sold, some pottage so to gain.

Although my hap be hard, my heart is high.

That generous plainness proves the better way.

Lo, one who loved true honour more than fame,
A real goodness, not a studied name.

Despair and confidence both banish fear.

What life refused, to gain by death he thought:
For life and death are but indifferent things,
And of themselves not to be shunned nor sought,
But for the good or ill that either brings.

That fatal sergeant, Death, spares no degree.

Vile avarice and pride, from Heaven accurst,
In all are ill, but in a church-man worst.