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
How ready is heaven to those that pray!
Whosoever loves not picture is injurious to truth, and all the wisdom of poetry. Picture is the invention of heaven, the most ancient and most akin to nature. It is itself a silent work, and always one and the same habit.
Many might go to heaven with half the labour they go to hell, if they would venture their industry the right way.
Heaven prepares good men with crosses; but no ill can happen to a good man.
Twas only fear first in the world made gods.
I have betrayed myself with my own tongue; The case is altered
I am grieved that it should be said he is my brother, and take these courses. Well, as he brews, so shall he drink, for George again. Yet he shall hear on't, and tightly, too, an' I live, i'faith.
I have a humour, / I would not willingly be gulled.
I have been at my book, and am now past the craggy paths of study, and come to the flowery plains of honour and reputation.
She is Venus when she smiles; / But she's Juno when she walks, / And Minerva when she talks.
Peace is never more than one thought away.
A good dog deserves a good bone.
... the best pilots have need of mariners, besides sails, anchor and other tackle.
True melancholy breeds your perfect fine wit.