John Dryden (/ˈdraɪdən/; 19 August [O.S. 9 August] 1631 – 12 May [O.S. 1 May] 1700) was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was made England's first Poet Laureate in 1668.
They, who would combat general authority with particular opinion, must first establish themselves a reputation of understanding better than other men.
For lawful power is still superior found, When long driven back, at length it stands the ground.
There is an inimitable grace in Virgil's words, and in them principally consists that beauty which gives so inexpressible a pleasure to him who best understands their force. This diction of his, I must once again say, is never to be copied; and since it cannot, he will appear but lame in the best translation.
Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
If thou dost still retain the same ill habits, the same follies, too, still thou art bound to vice, and still a slave.
The province of the soul is large enough to fill up every cranny of your time, and leave you much to answer for if one wretch be damned by your neglect.
Desire of greatness is a godlike sin.
A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.
A man is to be cheated into passion, but to be reasoned into truth.
Virtue in distress, and vice in triumph make atheists of mankind.
Mighty things from small beginnings grow.
Heaven be thanked, we live in such an age, When no man dies for love, but on the stage.
A thing well said will be wit in all languages.
Boldness is a mask for fear, however great.
With odorous oil thy head and hair are sleek; And then thou kemb'st the tuzzes on thy cheek: Of these, my barbers take a costly care.
At home the hateful names of parties cease, And factious souls are wearied into peace.
Ah, how sweet it is to love! Ah, how gay is young Desire! And what pleasing pains we prove When we first approach Love's fire!
Ever a glutton, at another's cost, But in whose kitchen dwells perpetual frost.
And love's the noblest frailty of the mind.
I am resolved to grow fat and look young till forty, and then slip out of the world with the first wrinkle and the reputation of five-and-twenty.