How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth, stolen on his wing my three-and-twentieth year!

Better to reign in hell than serve in heav'n.

Courtesy which oft is found in lowly sheds, with smoky rafters, than in tapestry halls and courts of princes, where it first was named.

He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.

If it come to prohibiting, there is aught more likely to be prohibited than truth itself.

This having learnt, thou hast attained the sum Of wisdom; hope no higher, though all the stars Thou knew'st by name, and all th'ethereal powers, All secrets of the deep, all nature's works, Or works of God in heav'n, air, earth, or sea, And all the riches of this world enjoy'dst, And all the rule, one empire; onlyadd Deeds to thy knowledge answerable, add faith, Add virtue, patience, temperance, add love, By name to come called charity, the soul Of all the rest: then wilt thou not be loath To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess A paradise within thee, happier far.

Let us descend now therefore from this top Of speculation.