Do then as your progenitors have done,
And by their virtues prove yourself their son.
John Dryden Quotes
1631–1700 England
John Dryden (19 August [O.S. 9 August] 1631 – 12 May [O.S. 1 May] 1700) was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who in 1668 was appointed England's first Poet Laureate.
- England
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Also known as: Dryden
537 quotes
For if the sire be faint, or out of case,
He will be copied in his famish’d race.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
If on your head my fury does not turn,
Thank that fond dotage which so much you scorn.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
He, like a patient angler, ere he strook,
Would let them play awhile upon the hook.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Some on antiquated authors pore;
Rummage for sense.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Then thus a senior of the place replies,
Well read, and curious of antiquities.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
All arts and artists Theseus could command,
Who sold for hire, or wrought for better fame.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
The spiteful stars have shed their venom down,
And now the peaceful planets take their turn.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Sorceries to raise th’ infernal pow’rs,
And sigils framed in planetary hours.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Would I had been disposer of thy stars,
Thou shouldst have had thy wish, and died in wars.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Homer, whose name shall live in epic song,
While music numbers, or while verse has feet.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Shadwell alone of all my sons is he
Who stands confirm’d in full stupidity.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
But Shakspeare’s magic could not copied be;
Within that circle none durst walk but he.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
You exclaim as loud as those that praise,
For scraps and coach-hire, a young noble’s plays.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
The bard that first adorn’d our native tongue
Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Gentle or sharp, according to thy choice,
To laugh at follies, or to lash at vice.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Yet still thy fools shall stand in thy defence,
And justify their author’s want of sense.
Disputed Poetical Quotations from Chaucer to Tennyson (1880)
Attribution
Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: John Dryden (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.