Quotes & anectdotes from
the wise,
the foolish,
the courageous &
the drunk

John Dryden Playwright

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: England
  • Born: Aug 9, 1631
  • Died: May 12, 1700

John Dryden was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was made Poet Laureate in 1668.

He is seen as dominating the literary life of Restoration England to such a point that the period came to be known in literary circles as the Age of Dryden. Walter Scott called him "Glorious John."

Beware the fury of a patient man.

The intoxication of anger, like that of the grape, shows us to others, but hides us from ourselves.

War is the trade of Kings.

Forgiveness to the injured does belong but they ne'er pardon who have done wrong.

Reason is a crutch for age, but youth is strong enough to walk alone.

For truth has such a face and such a mien, as to be loved needs only to be seen.

Love is love's reward.

Dancing is the poetry of the foot.

Only man clogs his happiness with care, destroying what is with thoughts of what may be.

But love's a malady without a cure.

When I consider life, it is all a cheat. Yet fooled with hope, people favor this deceit.

He has not learned the first lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear.

Death in itself is nothing but we fear to be we know not what, we know not where.

Jealousy is the jaundice of the soul.

Successful crimes alone are justified.

Pains of love be sweeter far than all other pleasures are.

Boldness is a mask for fear, however great.