John Dryden
John Dryden
John Drydenwas an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was made England's first Poet Laureate in 1668...
few inhabited knowing
Look around the inhabited world; how few know their own good, or knowing it, pursue.
action genius pains taught
Time, place, and action may with pains be wrought, But Genius must be born; and never can be taught
condensed deeper english-poet words
If you be pungent, be brief; for it is with words as with sunbeams - the more they are condensed the deeper they burn.
dies heaven man stage
For, Heaven be thank'd, we live in such an age, when no man dies for love, but on the stage
above bore fool fools-and-foolishness till tired wings
Fool that I was, upon my eagle's wings / I bore this wren till I was tired with soaring, / And now he mounts above me.
action common graceful interest seldom
Youth, beauty, graceful action, seldom fail:/ But common interest always will prevail.
authority combat establish general men particular reputation themselves understanding
They who would combat general authority with particular opinion, must first establish themselves a reputation of understanding better than other men
cheating consider favour fooled former men trust
When I consider life, 'tis all a cheat. Yet, fooled by hope, men favour the deceit; trust on, and think to-morrow will repay: to-morrow's falser than the former day.
cheat consider deceit deception favour men
When I consider life, 'tis all a cheat yet, fool'd by hope, men favour the deceit
age begin time tis
Tis well an old age is out, And time to begin a new.
ancient boast bred fashion manners themselves
Well may they boast themselves an ancient Nation; For they were bred e'er manners were in fashion
close eyes far meet sit souls touch
Our souls sit close and silently within, And their own webs from their own entrails spin; And when eyes meet far off, our sense is such, That, spider-like, we feel the tenderest touch
blessings drinking pleasure
Bacchus' blessings are a treasure, Drinking is the soldier's pleasure
age beast begin brought chase lovers piece thy time wars
All, all of a piece throughout; / Thy chase had a beast in view; / Thy wars brought nothing about; / Thy lovers were all untrue. / 'Tis well an old age is out, / And time to begin a new.