Since a true knowledge of nature gives us pleasure, a lively imitation of it, either in poetry or painting, must produce a much greater; for both these arts are not only true imitations of nature, but of the best nature.
John DrydenVirtue without success is a fair picture shown by an ill light; but lucky men are favorites of heaven; all own the chief, when fortune owns the cause.
John DrydenLet Fortune empty her whole quiver on me, I have a soul that, like an ample shield, Can take in all, and verge enough for more; Fate was not mine, nor am I Fate's: Souls know no conquerors.
John DrydenIf thou dost still retain the same ill habits, the same follies, too, still thou art bound to vice, and still a slave.
John DrydenIf you have lived, take thankfully the past. Make, as you can, the sweet remembrance last.
John DrydenHe is the very Janus of poets; he wears almost everywhere two faces; and you have scarce begun to admire the one, ere you despise the other.
John DrydenAnger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten.
John DrydenRailing and praising were his usual themes; and both showed his judgment in extremes. Either over violent or over civil, so everyone to him was either god or devil.
John DrydenThe commendation of adversaries is the greatest triumph of a writer, because it never comes unless extorted.
John DrydenBeauty, like ice, our footing does betray; Who can tread sure on the smooth, slippery way: Pleased with the surface, we glide swiftly on, And see the dangers that we cannot shun.
John DrydenFaith is to believe what you do not yet see: the reward for this faith is to see what you believe. Thus all below is strength, and all above is grace.
John DrydenOne of the greatest, most noble, and most sublime poems which either this age or nation has produced.
John DrydenWe find few historians who have been diligent enough in their search for truth; it is their common method to take on trust what they help distribute to the public; by which means a falsehood once received from a famed writer becomes traditional to posterity.
John DrydenShe, though in full-blown flower of glorious beauty, Grows cold even in the summer of her age.
John Dryden