Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - read more

Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - The Art of Worldy Wisdom, 1647.

By outward show let's not be cheated;
An ass should like an ass be treated.

By outward show let's not be cheated;
An ass should like an ass be treated.

But every thyng which schyneth as the gold,
Nis nat gold, as that I have herd it told.

But every thyng which schyneth as the gold,
Nis nat gold, as that I have herd it told.

Charm is a product of the unexpected.

Charm is a product of the unexpected.

There is no course of life so weak and sottish as that which is managed by order, method, and discipline.

There is no course of life so weak and sottish as that which is managed by order, method, and discipline.

Everything is not gold that one sees shining.
[Fr., Que tout n'est pas or c'on voit luire.]

Everything is not gold that one sees shining.
[Fr., Que tout n'est pas or c'on voit luire.]

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like
unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, read more

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like
unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward,
but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and coyness sets off an extravagant read more

Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and coyness sets off an extravagant mistress, while the door always open tempts no suitor.

I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.

I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day.