Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Let grace and goodness be the principal loadstone of thy affections. For love which hath ends, will have an end; whereas that which is founded on true virtue, will always continue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True love is based on virtue and goodness, not on selfish desires.
In this quote, John Dryden emphasizes that love grounded in true virtue and goodness is everlasting, unlike love that is based on selfish motives or ends, which is temporary. He suggests that when our affections are guided by grace and goodness, our relationships are more likely to thrive and endure over time.
Themes
LoveVirtueAffectionGoodnessEnduring
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a wedding speech to describe the foundation of a lasting marriage.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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