William Davenant Quotes

English poet and playwright

Sir William Davenant (28 February 1606–7 April 1668), also spelled D'Avenant, was an English poet and playwright. Along with Thomas Killigrew, Davenant was one of the rare figures in English Renaissance theatre whose career spanned both the Caroline and Restoration eras, and who was active both before and after the English Civil War and the Interregnum.

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Alternative Names: Sir William Davenant • Sir William d'Avenant • William D'Avenant

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The assembled souls of all that men held wise.

Since knowledge is but sorrow's spy,
It is not safe to know.

For angling-rod he took a sturdy oake;
For line, a cable that in storm ne'er broke;
His hooke was such as heads the end of pole
To pluck down house ere fire consumes it whole;
The hook was baited with a dragon's tale,—
And then on rock he stood to bob for whale.

William Davenant Quotes

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