How much pleasure they lose (and even the pleasures of heroic poesy are not unprofitable) who take away the liberty of a poet, and fetter his feet in the shackles of a historian. — William Davenant Copy Share Image
Actions rare and sudden do commonly proceed from fierce necessity, of else from some oblique design, which is ashamed to show itself in the… — William Davenant Copy Share Image
Calamity is the perfect glass wherein we truly see and know ourselves. — William Davenant Copy Share Image
Aubade THE lark now leaves his wat'ry nest, And climbing shakes his dewy wings. He takes this window for the East, And to implore… — William Davenant Copy Share Image
Praise and Prayer PRAISE is devotion fit for mighty minds, The diff'ring world's agreeing sacrifice; Where Heaven divided faiths united finds: But Prayer in… — William Davenant Copy Share Image
For in a dearth of comforts, we art taught To be contented with the least. — William Davenant Copy Share Image
Go! dive into the Southern Sea, and when Th'ast found, to trouble the nice sight of men, A swelling pearl, and such whose single… — William Davenant Copy Share Image
How beautiful is sorrow when it is dressed by virgin innocence! it makes felicity in others seem deformed. — William Davenant Copy Share Image
To be rich be diligent; move on Like heav'ns great movers that enrich the earth; Whose moment's sloth would show the world undone; And… — William Davenant Copy Share Image
Small are the seeds fate does unheeded sow Of slight beginnings to important ends. — William Davenant Copy Share Image
Be not with honor's gilded baits beguil'd, Nor think ambition wise, because 'tis brave; For though we like it, as a forward child, 'Tis… — William Davenant Copy Share Image
