Ben Jonson
Ben Jonson
Benjamin "Ben" Jonsonwas an English playwright, poet, actor and literary critic of the 17th century, whose artistry exerted a lasting impact upon English poetry and stage comedy. He popularised the comedy of humours. He is best known for the satirical plays Every Man in His Humour, Volpone, or The Foxe, The Alchemistand Bartholomew Fayre: A Comedyand for his lyric poetry; he is generally regarded as the second most important English dramatist, after William Shakespeare, during the reign of James I...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth11 June 1572
Let them call it mischief; when it is past and prospered, it will be virtue.
Minds that are great and free, should not on fortune pause: 'Tis crown enough to virtue still, her own applause.
There is no bounty to be showed to such As have real goodness: Bounty is A spice of virtue; and what virtuous act Can take effect on them that have no power Of equal habitude to apprehend it?
He that would have his virtue published, is not the servant of virtue, but glory.
Wherein the graver had a strife / With Nature to out-do the life.
A good dog deserves a good bone.
... the best pilots have need of mariners, besides sails, anchor and other tackle.
True melancholy breeds your perfect fine wit.
It is less dishonor to hear imperfectly than to speak imperfectly. The ears are excused; the understanding is not.
Well, as he brews, so shall he drink.
No glass renders a man's form or likeness so true as his speech.
Fear to do base, unworthy things is valor; if they be one to us, to suffer them is valor too.
Tis not the wholesome sharp mortality, Or modest anger of a satiric spirit, That hurts or wounds the body of a state, But the sinister application Of the malicious, ignorant, and base Interpreter; who will distort and strain The general scope and purpose of an author To his particular and private spleen.
Books are faithful repositories, which may be awhile neglected or forgotten, but when they are opened again, will again impart their instruction.