JOHN WILMOT

Before I married, I had three theories about raising children and no children. Now, I have three children and no theories.

Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories.

For all men would be cowards if they durst.

Man differs more from Man, than Man from Beast.

Nothing suits worse with vice than want of sense

Tis a meaner part of sense to find a fault than taste an excellence.

Dead we become the lumber of the world.

I wish to be moved. I cannot feel in life. I must have others do it for me in theater.

Born to myself, I like myself alone.

Angels listen when she speaks; She's my delight, all mankind's wonder; But my jealous heart would break Should we live one day asunder.

God bless our good and gracious King, Whose promise none relies on; Who never said a foolish thing, Nor ever did a wise one.

Natural freedoms are but just: There's something generous in mere lust.

I'd be a dog, a monkey, or a bear, or anything but that vain animal who is so proud of being rational.

The clog of all pleasure, the luggage of life, is the best can be said for a very good wife.

I shall never forgive you for teaching me how to love life.

If you have a grateful heart (which is a miracle amongst you statesmen), show it by directing the bearer to the best wine in town, and pray let not this highest point of sacred friendship be performed slightly, but go about it with all due deliberation and care, as holy priests to sacrifice, or as discreet thieves to the wary performance of burglary and shop-lifting. Let your well-discerning palate (the best judge about you) travel from cellar to cellar and then from piece to piece till it has lighted on wine fit for its noble choice and my approbation.

Books bear him up a while, and make him try to swim with bladders of philosophy.

To pick out the wildest and most fantastical odd man alive, and to place your kindness there, is an act so brave and daring as will show the greatness of your spirit and distinguish you in love, as you are in all things else, from womankind.

Now piercèd is her virgin zone; She feels the foe within it. She hears a broken amorous groan, The panting lover's fainting moan, Just in the happy minute.

Since 'tis Nature's law to change, Constancy alone is strange.