William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling Quotes

Of all things that are feared, the least is death.

Pride hated stands, and doth unpitied fall.

I hope, I fear, resolved, and yet I doubt,
I'm cold as ice, and yet I burn as fire;
I wot not what, and yet I much desire,
And trembling too, am desperately stout.

Despair and confidence both banish fear.

Though I was long in coming to the light,
Yet may I mount to fortune's highest height.

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

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

That queen of nations, absolutely great.

Times daily change and we likewise in them;
Things out of sight do straight forgotten die.

Of all the tyrants that the world affords,
Our own affections are the fiercest lords.

That generous plainness proves the better way.

When policy puts on religious cloak.

The weaker sex, to piety more prone

Although my hap be hard, my heart is high.

That fatal sergeant, Death, spares no degree.