The pen is mightier than the sword.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

For what made that in glory shine so long
But poets' Pens, pluckt from Archangels' wings?

For what made that in glory shine so long
But poets' Pens, pluckt from Archangels' wings?

You write with ease, to show your breeding,
But easy writing's curst hard reading.

You write with ease, to show your breeding,
But easy writing's curst hard reading.

The sacred Dove a quill did lend
From her high-soaring wing.

The sacred Dove a quill did lend
From her high-soaring wing.

The pen wherewith thou dost so heavenly sing
Made of a quill from an angel's wing.

The pen wherewith thou dost so heavenly sing
Made of a quill from an angel's wing.

If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest
of men, I will find read more

If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest
of men, I will find something in them which will hang him.
[Fr., Qu'on me donne six lignes ecrites de la main du plus
honnete homme, j'y trouverai de quoi le faire pendre.]

Men of quality are in the wrong to undervalue, as they often do,
the practise of a fair and read more

Men of quality are in the wrong to undervalue, as they often do,
the practise of a fair and quick hand in writing; for it is no
immaterial accomplishment.
[Lat., Non sest aliena res, quae fere ab honestis negligi solet,
cura bene ac velociter scribendi.]

From this it appears how much more cruel the pen may be than the
sword.
[Lat., Hinc quam read more

From this it appears how much more cruel the pen may be than the
sword.
[Lat., Hinc quam sit calamus saevior euse, patet.]

Beneath the rule of men entirely great
The pen is mightier than the sword.

Beneath the rule of men entirely great
The pen is mightier than the sword.