To sing of Wars, of Captains, and of Kings/Of Cities founded, Common-wealths begun/For my mean Pen are too superior things.

Authority without wisdom is like a heavy ax without an edge -- fitter to bruise than polish.

Some laborers have hard hands, and old sinners have brawny consciences.

If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

I wish my Sun may never set, but burn.

Youth is the time of getting, middle age of improving, and old age of spending; a negligent youth is usually attended by an ignorant middle age, and both by an empty old age.

I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold or all the riches that the East doth hold.