When any great design thou dost intend, Think on the means, the manner, and the end.

Uncertain ways unsafest are, and doubt a greater mischief than despair.

Poetry is of so subtle a spirit, that in the pouring out of one language into another it will evaporate.

Search not to find things too deeply hid; Nor try to know things whose knowledge is forbid.

Sure there are poets which did never dream Upon Parnassus, nor did taste the stream Of Helicon; we therefore may suppose Those made not poets, but the poets those.

You prove but too clearly that seeking to know Is too frequently learning to doubt.

Actions of the last age are like almanacs of the last year.