The collection / 6 fragments

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Passages, proverbs, and questions carried across the ages.

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01c. 1636 AD

The assembled souls of all that men held wise.

Sir William Davenant / quote

02c. 1636 AD

Since knowledge is but sorrow's spy, It is not safe to know.

Sir William Davenant / quote

03c. 1636 AD

For angling-rod he took a sturdy oake; For line, a cable that in storm ne'er broke; His hooke was such as heads the end of pole To pluck down house ere fire consumes it whole; The hook was baited with a dragon's tale,— And then on rock he stood to bob for whale.

Sir William Davenant / quote

04Undated

For though the plain judge, Conscience, makes no show, But silently to her dark session comes, Not as red law does to arraignment go, Or war to execution, with loud drums; Though she on hills sets not her gibbets high, Where frightful law sets hers; nor bloody seems, Like war in colours spread, yet secretly She does her work, and many men condemns; Chokes in the seed what law, till ripe, ne’er sees; What law would punish, Conscience can prevent; And so the world from many mischiefs frees; Known by her cures, as law by punishment.

Sir William Davenant / quote

05Undated

That courage which the vain for valour take, Who proudly danger seek for glory’s sake, Is impudence; and what they rashly do, Has no excuse, but that ’tis madness too.

Sir William Davenant / quote

06Undated

Though life, since finite, has so ill excuse For being but in finite objects learned, Yet sure the soul was made for little use, Unless it be in infinites concerned.

Sir William Davenant / quote