John Dryden
John Dryden
John Drydenwas an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was made England's first Poet Laureate in 1668...
evil common nonsense
To die for faction is a common evil, But to be hanged for nonsense is the devil.
art giving painting
Since a true knowledge of nature gives us pleasure, a lively imitation of it, either in poetry or painting, must produce a much greater; for both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.
evil may valiant
I am devilishly afraid, that's certain; but ... I'll sing, that I may seem valiant.
truth literature faces
For truth has such a face and such a mien, as to be loved needs only to be seen.
passion men cheated
A man is to be cheated into passion, but to be reasoned into truth.
blow wind joy
The winds that never moderation knew, Afraid to blow too much, too faintly blew; Or out of breath with joy, could not enlarge Their straighten'd lungs or conscious of their charge.
soul arms poverty
Content with poverty, my soul I arm; And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm.
weed men fire
Desire of power, on earth a vicious weed, Yet, sprung from high, is of celestial seed: In God 'tisglory; and when men aspire, 'Tis but a spark too much of heavenly fire.
revenge writing spite
Those who write ill, and they who ne'er durst write, Turn critics out of mere revenge and spite.
gratitude grateful errors
Errors like straws upon the surface flow, Who would search for pearls to be grateful for often must dive below.
heaven liberty life-is
The love of liberty with life is given, And life itself the inferior gift of Heaven.
thinking giving ease
For what can power give more than food and drink, To live at ease, and not be bound to think?
inspirational motivational character
We first make our habits, and then our habits make us.
patience anger men
Beware the fury of a patient man.