Look around the inhabited world; how few know their own good, or knowing it, pursue. – John Dryden
Kings fight for empires, madmen for applause. – John Dryden
It is madness to make fortune the mistress of events, because by herself she is nothing and is ruled by prudence. – John Dryden
For present joys are more to flesh and blood than a dull prospect of a distant good. – John Dryden
Since every man who lives is born to die, and none can boast sincere felicity, with equal mind, what happens, let us bear, nor joy nor grieve too much for things beyond our care. – John Dryden
All heiresses are beautiful. – John Dryden
He invades authors like a monarch; and what would be theft in other poets is only victory in him. – John Dryden
He who trusts secrets to a servant makes him his master. – John Dryden
Drinking is the soldiers pleasure. – John Dryden
We lovd, and we lovd as long as we could Til our love was lovd out in us both; But our marriage is dead, when the pleasure has fled: Twas pleasure that made it an oath. – John Dryden
Self-defense is Natures eldest law. – John Dryden
Railing and praising were his usual themes; and both showed his judgment in extremes. Either over violent or over civil, so everyone to him was either god or devil. – John Dryden
So over violent, or over civil that every man with him was God or Devil. – John Dryden
Pains of love be sweeter far than all the other pleasures are. – John Dryden
The people have a right supreme To make their kings, for Kings are made for them. All Empire is no more than Powr in Trust, Which when resumd, can be no longer just. Successionm for the general good designd, In its own wrong a Nation cannot bind. – John Dryden
He who would search for pearls must dive below. – John Dryden
For all have not the gift of martyrdom. – John Dryden
Love is loves reward. – John Dryden
But loves a malady without a cure. – John Dryden
Forgiveness to the injured does belong but they neer pardon who have done wrong. – John Dryden
