If men will impartially, and not asquint, look toward the offices and function of a poet, they will easily conclude to themselves the impossibility of any man's being a good poet without first being a good man. Ben Jonson More Quotes by Ben Jonson More Quotes From Ben Jonson To speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks. Ben Jonson communication wise motivational True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in the worth and choice. Ben Jonson positive happiness friendship There is no greater hell than to be a prisoner of fear. Ben Jonson prisoner hell no-fear Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup And I'll not look for wine. Ben Jonson wine food romantic You learn nothing about someone by the way they win the fight, you learn everything about the way they lose and keep coming back. Ben Jonson fighting winning art My thoughts and I were of another world. Ben Jonson another-world my-thoughts world Memory, of all the powers of the mind, is the most delicate and frail. Ben Jonson frail mind memories The voice so sweet, the words so fair, As some soft chime had stroked the air; And though the sound had parted thence, Still left an echo in the sense. Ben Jonson echoes air sweet He who is taught only by himself has a fool for a master. Ben Jonson fool inspirational art Chance will not do the work. Chance sends the breeze; Ben Jonson slumber blow wind To struggle when hope is banished! To live when life's salt is gone! To dwell in a dream that's vanished- To endure, and go calmly on! Ben Jonson struggle dream life Ambition, like a torrent, never looks back. Ben Jonson inspiration ambition looks Success produces confidence; confidence relaxes industry, and negligence ruins the reputation which accuracy had raised. Ben Jonson ruins reputation relax Calumnies are answered best with silence. Ben Jonson calumny silence advice Great honours are great burdens, but on whom They are cast with envy, he doth bear two loads. Ben Jonson envy honor two The dignity of truth is lost with much protesting. Ben Jonson dignity losing life It is virtue that gives glory; that will endenizen a man everywhere. Ben Jonson virtue giving men It is less dishonor to hear imperfectly than to speak imperfectly. The ears are excused; the understanding is not. Ben Jonson understanding speak ears What excellent fools religion makes of men. Ben Jonson religious men religion Confound these ancestors... They've stolen our best ideas! Ben Jonson humor funny ideas
