11th June: Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson, the playwright and poet, was born on this date in 1572. 10 quotes from him:

1. To speak and to speak well, are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.
2. True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in the worth and choice.
3. There is no greater hell than to be a prisoner of fear.
4. Art hath an enemy called Ignorance.
5. They say Princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship. The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom.
6. Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup; And I'll not look for wine.
7. They that know no evil will suspect none.
8. The mind may never achieve or express anything great unless emotion plays a part.
9. Memory, of all the powers of the mind, is the most delicate and frail.
10. Let them call it mischief: When it is past and prospered t'will be virtue.