John Milton on Ambition
1608–1674 England
← All quotes by John Milton
5 quotes
I on the other side
Us'd no ambition to commend my deeds;
The deeds themselves, though mute, spoke loud the doer.
Samson Agonistes (1671)
But what will not ambition and revenge
Descend to? who aspires must down as low
As high he soar'd, obnoxious first or last
To basest things.
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:
Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven.
Paradise Lost (1667)
Here may we reign secure, and in my choice
To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell.
Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.
If at great things thou would'st arrive,
Get riches first, get wealth, and treasure heap,
Not difficult, if thou hearken to me;
Riches are mine, fortune is in my hand,
They whom I favor thrive in wealth amain,
While virtue, valor, wisdom, sit in want.
Paradise Regained (1671)