Francis Quarles > Quotes

“Beware of him that is slow to anger; for when it is long coming, it is the stronger when it comes, and the longer kept. Abused patience turns to fury.”
― Francis Quarles

“My soul, sit thou a patient looker-on;
Judge not the play before the play is done:
Her plot has many changes; every day
Speaks a new scene; the last act crowns the play.”
― Francis Quarles

“Let the fear of danger be a spur to prevent it; he that fears not, gives advantage to the danger.”
― Francis Quarles

“The fountain of beauty is the heart, and every generous thought illustrates the walls of your chamber.”
― Francis Quarles

“Let all thy joys be as the month of May.”
― Francis Quarles

“My mind is my kingdom.”
― Francis Quarles

“It lies in the power of man, either permissively to hasten, or actively to shorten, but not to lengthen or extend the limits of his natural life. He only (if any) hath the art to lengthen out his taper that puts it to the best advantage.”
― Francis Quarles, Enchiridon: Containing Institutions Divine, Moral

“And indeed what are the heavens, the earth, nay every creature,
but Hieroglyphics and Emblems of [God’s] Glory?”
― Francis Quarles

“Thy babbling tongue tells golden tales
Of endless treasure;
Thy bounty offers easy sales
Of lasting pleasure;
Thou ask'st the conscience what she ails,
And swear'st to ease her:
There's none can want where thou supply'st:
There's none can give when thou deny'st.
Alas! fond world, thou boast'st; false world thou ly'st.”
― Francis Quarles

“Be always displeased at what thou art, if thou desire to attain to what thou art not; for where thou hast pleased thyself, there thou abidest.”
― Francis Quarles