A lily of a day Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that night, It was the plant and flower of light. In small proportions we just beauties see, And in short measures life may perfect be. — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image
Where dost thou careless lie, Buried in ease and sloth? Knowledge that sleeps, doth die; And this security, It is the common moth, That eats on wits and arts, and oft destroys them both. — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image
Soul of the Age! The applause! delight! the wonder of our stage! My Shakespeare, rise; I will not lodge thee by Chaucer, or Spenser,… — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image
Heaven prepares good men with crosses; but no ill can happen to a good man. — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image
All discourses but my own afflict me; they seem harsh, impertinent, and irksome — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image
Spread yourself upon his bosom publicly, whose heart you would eat in private. — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image
Rich apparel has strange virtues; it makes him that hath it without means esteemed for an excellent wit; he that enjoys it with means… — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image
Each petty hand Can steer a ship becalm'd; but he that will Govern and carry her to her ends, must know His tides, his… — Ben Jonson Copy Share Image