Works

If kings and kingdoms once distracted be,
The sword of war must try the sovereignty

Once on a Lord Mayor's Day, in Cheapside, when
Skulls could not well pass through that scum of men,
For quick despatch Skulls made no longer stay
Than but to breathe, and everyone gave way;...

Whatever comes, let's be content withal:
Among God's blessings there is no one small.

God is above the sphere of our esteem,
And is the best known, not defining Him.

Be the mistress of my choice,
Clean in manners, clear in voice;
Be she witty, more than wise,
Pure enough, though not precise;
Be she showing in her dress,
Like a civil wilderness,...

In sober mornings do thou not rehearse
The holy incantation of a verse;
But when that men have both well drunk, and fed,
Let my enchantments then be sung, or read....

God has His whips here to a twofold end:
The bad to punish, and the good t' amend.

These fresh beauties, we can prove,
Once were virgins, sick of love,
Turn'd to flowers: still in some,
Colours go and colours come.

Dread not the shackles; on with thine intent,
Good wits get more fame by their punishment.

What need we marry women, when
Without their use we may have men,
And such as will in short time be
For murder fit, or mutiny?
As Cadmus once a new way found,
By throwing teeth into the ground;...

When words we want, Love teacheth to indite;
And what we blush to speak, she bids us write.

God on our youth bestows but little ease;
But on our age most sweet indulgences.

I'll do my best to win whene'er I woo:
That man loves not who is not zealous too.