John Dryden

Ill writers are usually the sharpest censors.

Ill writers are usually the sharpest censors.

Sooth'd with the sound, the king grew vain:
Fought all his battles o'er again;
And thrice he read more

Sooth'd with the sound, the king grew vain:
Fought all his battles o'er again;
And thrice he routed all his foes, and thrice he slew the slain.

Treason is not own'd when 'tis descried;
Successful crimes alone are justified.

Treason is not own'd when 'tis descried;
Successful crimes alone are justified.

Swear, food, or starve; for the dilemma's even;
A tradesman thou! and hope to go to heaven?

Swear, food, or starve; for the dilemma's even;
A tradesman thou! and hope to go to heaven?

And heaven had wanted one immortal song.

And heaven had wanted one immortal song.