I was by birth a gentleman, living neither in any considerable height nor yet in obscurity.

Ye may have skill in the nature of things, yet nature can do more than all physicians put together; and God is far more above nature.

Mr. Lely, I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all these roughnesses, pimples, warts, and everything as you see me, otherwise I will never pay a farthing for it.

You have sat too long for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!

He who stops being better stops being good.

I have not the particular shining bauble or feather in my cap for crowds to gaze at or kneel to, but I have power and resolution for foes to tremble at.

Necessity hath no law. Feigned necessities, imaginary necessities, are the greatest cozenage men can put upon the Providence of God, and make pretences to break known rules by.