Firsts Quotes by Francis Quarles

Be neither too early in the fashion, nor too long out of it, nor too precisely in it; what custom hath civilized is become…

— Francis Quarles

The World's a Printing-House, our words, our thoughts, Our deeds, are characters of several sizes. Each soul is a Compos'tor, of whose faults The…

— Francis Quarles

Luxury is an enticing pleasure, a bastard mirth, which hath honey in her mouth, gall in her heart, and a sting in her tail.

— Francis Quarles

Deliberate long before thou consecrate a friend, and when thy impartial justice concludes him worthy of thy bosom, receive him joyfully, and entertain him…

— Francis Quarles

What treasures here do Mammon's sons behold! Yet know that all that which glitters is not gold.

— Francis Quarles

Meditation is the life of the soul: Action, the soul of meditation; and honor the reward of action.

— Francis Quarles

The world is deceitful; her end is doubtful, her conclusion is horrible, her judge terrible, and her judgment is intolerable.

— Francis Quarles

I wish thee as much pleasure in the reading, as I had in the writing.

— Francis Quarles

The suburbs of folly is vain mirth, and profuseness of laughter is the city of fools.

— Francis Quarles

The fountain of beauty is the heart and every generous thought illustrates the walls of your chamber.

— Francis Quarles

The strong desires of man's insatiate breast may stand possess'd Of all that earth can give; but earth can give no rest.

— Francis Quarles

Knowledge descries; wisdom applies.

— Francis Quarles

In all thy actions think God sees thee; and in all His actions labor to see Him; that will make thee fear Him; this…

— Francis Quarles

Rather do what is nothing to the purpose than be idle; that the devil may find thee doing. The bird that sits is easily…

— Francis Quarles

Read not books alone, but men, and amongst them chiefly thyself.

— Francis Quarles