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11 John Denham Quotes

John Denham's plain-spoken, argumentative musings on character and translation invite thoughtful reflection.

John Denham quotes

  1. Actions o' th' last age are like almanacks o' th' last year.

    #1

  2. Ambition is like love, impatient Both of delays and rivals.

    #2

  3. Such is our pride, our folly, or our fate, That few but such as cannot write, translate.

    #3

  4. Nor ought a genius less than his that writ Attempt translation.

    #4

  5. Books should to one of these four ends conduce, For wisdom, piety, delight, or use.

    #5

  6. Youth, what man's age is like to be doth show, We may our ends by our beginnings know.

    #6

  7. Search not to find what lies too deeply hid, Nor to know things, whose knowledge is forbid.

    #7

  8. Though with those streams he no resemblance hold, Whose foam is amber and their gravel gold; His genuine and less guilty wealth t' explore, Search not his bottom, but survey his shore.

    #8

  9. Oh, could I flow like thee, and make thy stream My great example, as it is my theme! Though deep, yet clear; though gentle, yet not dull; Strong without rage; without o'erflowing, full.

    #9

  10. But whither am I strayed? I need not raise Trophies to thee from other men's dispraise; Nor is thy fame on lesser ruins built; Nor needs thy juster title the foul guilt Of Eastern kings, who, to secure their reign, Must have their brothers, sons, and kindred slain.

    #10

  11. We're ne'er like angels till our passion dies.

    #11