John Dryden

For truth has such a face and such a mien, as to be loved needs only to be seen.

By education most have been misled; So they believe, because they were bred. The priest continues where the nurse began, And thus the child imposes on the man.

You see through love, and that deludes your sight, As what is straight seems crooked through the water.

Reason is a crutch for age, but youth is strong enough to walk alone.

All objects lose by too familiar a view.

But far more numerous was the herd of such, Who think too little, and who talk too much.

Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.

Never was patriot yet, but was a fool.

If you be pungent, be brief; for it is with words as with sunbeams - the more they are condensed the deeper they burn.

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.

A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

Seek not to know what must not be reveal, for joy only flows where fate is most concealed. A busy person would find their sorrows much more; if future fortunes were known before!

God never made His work for man to mend.

The first is the law, the last prerogative.

He has not learned the first lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear.

Beauty, like ice, our footing does betray; Who can tread sure on the smooth, slippery way: Pleased with the surface, we glide swiftly on, And see the dangers that we cannot shun.

Successful crimes alone are justified.

What passions cannot music raise or quell?

It is madness to make fortune the mistress of events, because by herself she is nothing and is ruled by prudence.

When I consider life, it is all a cheat. Yet fooled with hope, people favor this deceit.