John Dryden

When he spoke, what tender words he used! So softly, that like flakes of feathered snow, They melted as they fell.

Great souls forgive not injuries till time has put their enemies within their power, that they may show forgiveness is their own.

God never made his work for man to mend.

Of all the tyrannies on human kind the worst is that which persecutes the mind.

He look'd in years, yet in his years were seen A youthful vigor, and autumnal green.

She feared no danger, for she knew no sin.

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.

He who trusts secrets to a servant makes him his master

Our vows are heard betimes! and Heaven takes care To grant, before we can conclude the prayer: Preventing angels met it half the way, And sent us back to praise, who came to pray.

Our souls sit close and silently within, And their own web from their own entrails spin; And when eyes meet far off, our sense is such, That, spider-like, we feel the tenderest touch.

All things are subject to decay and when fate summons, monarchs must obey.

If by the people you understand the multitude, the hoi polloi, 'tis no matter what they think; they are sometimes in the right, sometimes in the wrong; their judgment is a mere lottery.

Rhyme is the rock on which thou art to wreck.

For secrets are edged tools, And must be kept from children and from fools.

He who would search for pearls must dive below.

Let Fortune empty her whole quiver on me, I have a soul that, like an ample shield, Can take in all, and verge enough for more; Fate was not mine, nor am I Fate's: Souls know no conquerors.

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

He trudged along unknowing what he sought, And whistled as he went, for want of thought.

Even victors are by victories undone.

Tomorrow do thy worst, I have lived today.

Thou tyrant, tyrant Jealousy, Thou tyrant of the mind!