Ben Jonson
Satirist of Volpone, Jonson's classical style provided quotable moral lessons.
Quotes by Ben Jonson
Language most shows a man: speak, that I may see thee.
He that would write well in any tongue, must follow this counsel of Horace, to think of many things, and to speak of few.
A good poet's made, as well as born.
I am not of that opinion to think that a man can write too much, if he write well.
For a man to write well, there are required three necessaries: to read the best authors, observe the best speakers, and much exercise of his own style.
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.
Soul of the Age! The applause! delight! the wonder of our Stage!
He was not of an age, but for all time!
Sweet swan of Avon!
Small Latin and less Greek.
Honest plain words best suit the honest mind.
Truth is the trial of itself.
No man is so foolish but may give another good counsel sometimes; and no man so wise but may need it.
The poet's made, as well as born.
I have ever observed it to be a true maxim, that the best way to learn to live well, is to live much.
He that is not a good man, is a bad man.
The true art of memory is the art of attention.
A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.
Praise, of all other things, is the most dangerous, if it be not given to the deserving.
The mind is the man, and the knowledge of the mind is the knowledge of the man.