Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher

I find the medicine worse than the malady.

I find the medicine worse than the malady.

That place that does contain
My books, the best companions, is to me
A glorious court, where read more

That place that does contain
My books, the best companions, is to me
A glorious court, where hourly I converse
With the old sages and philosophers;
And sometimes, for variety, I confer
With kings and emperors, and weigh their counsels;
Calling their victories, if unjustly got,
Unto a strict account, and, in my fancy,
Deface their ill-placed statues.

Speak boldly, and speak truly, shame the devil.

Speak boldly, and speak truly, shame the devil.

Go far--too far you cannot, still the farther
The more experience finds you: And go sparing;--
One read more

Go far--too far you cannot, still the farther
The more experience finds you: And go sparing;--
One meal a week will serve you, and one suit,
Through all your travels; for you'll find it certain,
The poorer and the baser you appear,
The more you look through still.

I'll put a spoke among your wheels.

I'll put a spoke among your wheels.