I think a Play the best divertisement that wise men have: but I do also think them nothing so who do discourse so formallie about the rules of it, as if 'twere the grand affair of humane life.
Aphra Behn'Twas but a dream, yet by my heart I knew, Which still was panting, part of it was true: Oh how I strove the rest to have believed; Ashamed and angry to be undeceived!
Aphra BehnAffectation hath always had a greater share both in the action and discourse of men than truth and judgment have.
Aphra Behn... he that will live in this World, must be endu'd with the three rare Qualities of Dissimulation, Equivocation, and mental Reservation.
Aphra BehnA brave world, sir, full of religion, knavery, and change: we shall shortly see better days.
Aphra BehnAll I ask, is the privilege for my masculine part the poet in me.... If I must not, because of my sex, have this freedom... I lay down my quill and you shall hear no more of me.
Aphra BehnThat perfect tranquillity of life, which is nowhere to be found but in retreat, a faithful friend and a good library.
Aphra BehnAs love is the most noble and divine passion of the soul, so is it that to which we may justly attribute all the real satisfactions of life, and without it, man is unfinished, and unhappy.
Aphra BehnA poet is a painter in his way, he draws to the life, but in another kind; we draw the nobler part, the soul and the mind; the pictures of the pen shall outlast those of the pencil, and even worlds themselves.
Aphra BehnNothing is more capable of troubling our reason, and consuming our health, than secret notions of jealousy in solitude.
Aphra Behn