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
Let them call it mischief; when it is past and prospered, it will be virtue.
Minds that are great and free, should not on fortune pause: 'Tis crown enough to virtue still, her own applause.
There is no bounty to be showed to such As have real goodness: Bounty is A spice of virtue; and what virtuous act Can take effect on them that have no power Of equal habitude to apprehend it?
He that would have his virtue published, is not the servant of virtue, but glory.
Let them call it mischief: When it is past and prospered t'will be virtue
That for which all virtue now is sold, and almost every vice- almighty gold
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.