Ben Jonson

So wise, so grave, of so perplex'd a tongue,
And loud withal, that would not wag, not scarce
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So wise, so grave, of so perplex'd a tongue,
And loud withal, that would not wag, not scarce
Lie still without a fee.

Follow a shadow, it still flies you,
Seem to fly, it will pursue:
So court a mistress, read more

Follow a shadow, it still flies you,
Seem to fly, it will pursue:
So court a mistress, she denies you;
Let her alone, she will court you.
Say are not women truly, then,
Styled but the shadows of us men?

A brute without a single redeeming point.

A brute without a single redeeming point.

Great honours are great burdens, but on whom
They are cast with envy, he doth bear two loads.
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Great honours are great burdens, but on whom
They are cast with envy, he doth bear two loads.
His cares must still be double to his joys,
In any dignity.

'Tis no sin love's fruits to steal;
But the sweet thefts to reveal;
To be taken, to read more

'Tis no sin love's fruits to steal;
But the sweet thefts to reveal;
To be taken, to be seen,
These have crimes accounted been.