Ben Jonson
Ben Jonson
Benjamin "Ben" Jonsonwas an English playwright, poet, actor and literary critic of the 17th century, whose artistry exerted a lasting impact upon English poetry and stage comedy. He popularised the comedy of humours. He is best known for the satirical plays Every Man in His Humour, Volpone, or The Foxe, The Alchemistand Bartholomew Fayre: A Comedyand for his lyric poetry; he is generally regarded as the second most important English dramatist, after William Shakespeare, during the reign of James I...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth11 June 1572
The two chief things that give a man reputation in counsel, are the opinion of his honesty, and the opinion of his wisdom; the authority of those two will persuade.
He that is respectless in his courses oft sells his reputation at cheap market.
No simple word That shall be uttered at our mirthful board, Shall make us sad next morning; or affright The liberty that we'll enjoy to-night.
It holds for good polity ever, to have that outwardly in vilest estimation, which inwardly is most dear to us.
Still to be neat, still to be drest, As you were going to a feast, Still to be powder'd, all perfum'd. Lady, it is to be presumed, Though art's hid causes are not found, All is not sweet, all is not sound.
Honor's a good brooch to wear in a man's hat at all times.
Good men are the stars, the planets of the ages wherein they live, and illustrate the times.
A good poet's made as well as born.
The man that is once hated, both his good and his evil deeds oppress him.
I would rather have a plain down-right wisdom than a foolish and affected eloquence.
Nor use too swelling, or ill-sounded words . . . .
A lily of a day Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that night, It was the plant and flower of light. In small proportions we just beauties see, And in short measures life may perfect be.
It is an art to have so much judgment as to apparel a lie well, to give it a good dressing.
What excellent fools religion makes of men.