William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling Quotes

When policy puts on religious cloak.

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

His birthright sold, some pottage so to gain.

That generous plainness proves the better way.

That fatal sergeant, Death, spares no degree.

Words but direct, example must allure.

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.

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

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

The weaker sex, to piety more prone