Ben Jonson

This figure that thou here seest put,
It was for gentle Shakespeare cut,
Wherein the graver had read more

This figure that thou here seest put,
It was for gentle Shakespeare cut,
Wherein the graver had a strife
With Nature, to outdo the life:
Oh, could he but have drawn his wit
As well in brass, as he has hit
His face, the print would then surpass
All that was ever writ in brass;
But since he cannot, reader, look
Not on his picture, but his book.

If you be sick, your own thoughts make you sick.

If you be sick, your own thoughts make you sick.

In the hope to meet
Shortly again, and make our absence sweet.

In the hope to meet
Shortly again, and make our absence sweet.

They say Princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship.
The reason is, the brave beast is read more

They say Princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship.
The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a
Prince as soon as his groom.

A pauper traveller will sing before a beggar.

A pauper traveller will sing before a beggar.