William Davenant quotes

William Davenant was an English poet, playwright, and theatre manager associated with the early Stuart period. A notable figure in the development of English drama, he was an innovator during the time when theatre was heavily restricted. He contributed greatly to the revival of English theatre, especially after the closure of playhouses. Here are 10 of his quotes:

Calamity is the perfect glass wherein we truly see and know ourselves.

William Davenant

The assembled souls of all that men held wise.

William Davenant

For angling-rod he took a sturdy oake; For line, a cable that in storm ne'er broke; His hooke was such as heads the end of pole To pluck down house ere fire consumes it whole; The hook was baited with a dragon's tale,- And then on rock he stood to bob for whale.

William Davenant

Fame, like the river, is narrowest where it is bred, and broadest afar off.

William Davenant

Anger is blood, poured and perplexed into froth; but malice is the wisdom of our wrath.

William Davenant

How beautiful is sorrow when it is dressed by virgin innocence! it makes felicity in others seem deformed.

William Davenant

All jealousy must be strangled in its birth.

William Davenant

Honor is the moral conscience of the great.

William Davenant

Ambition is the mind's immodesty.

William Davenant