How violently do rumors blow the sails of popular judgments! How few there be that can discern between truth and truth-likeness, between shows and substance!
Philip SidneyThe highest point outward things can bring unto, is the contentment of the mind; with which no estate can be poor, without which all estates will be miserable.
Philip SidneyThere is a certain delicacy which in yielding conquers; and with a pitiful look makes one find cause to crave help one's self.
Philip SidneyFor as much as to understand and to be mighty are great qualities, the higher that they be, they are so much the less to be esteemed if goodness also abound not in the possessor.
Philip SidneyIt is the nature of the strong heart, that like the palm tree it strives ever upwards when it is most burdened.
Philip SidneyThere is nothing sooner overthrows a weak head than opinion by authority, like too strong a liquor for a frail glass.
Philip SidneyOur poor eyes were so enriched as to behold, and our low hearts so exalted as to love, a maid who is such, that as the greatest thing the world can show is her beauty, so the least thing that may be praised in her is her beauty.
Philip SidneyReason! how many eyes hast thou to see evils, and how dim, nay, blind, thou art in preventing them.
Philip SidneyWoman was formed to admire; man to be admirable. His are the glories of the sun at noonday; hers the softened splendors of the midnight moon.
Philip SidneyWhatever comes out of despair cannot bear the title of valor, which should be lifted up to such a height that holding all things under itself, it should be able to maintain its greatness, even in the midst of miseries.
Philip SidneyIn forming a judgment, lay your hearts void of foretaken opinions; else, whatsoever is done or said, will be measured by a wrong rule; like them who have jaundice, to whom everything appears yellow.
Philip SidneyIf any sensual weakness arise, we are to yield all our sound forces to the overthrowing of so unnatural a rebellion; wherein how can we want courage, since we are to deal against so feeble an adversary, that in itself is nothing but weakness? Nay, we are to resolve that if reason direct it, we must do it, and if we must do it, we will do it; for to say "I cannot" is childish, and "I will not" is womanish.
Philip SidneyReason cannot show itself more reasonable than to cease reasoning on things above reason.
Philip SidneyLaughter almost ever cometh of things most disproportioned to ourselves and nature: delight hath a joy in it either permanent or present; laughter hath only a scornful tickling.
Philip Sidney