John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester quotes
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester was an English poet, satirist, and libertine at the court of King Charles II. His witty and provocative works challenged social norms and often scandalized polite society. He is remembered for his brilliant poetry, sharp satire, and wild lifestyle. Here are 40 of his quotes:
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.
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
Were I, who to my Cost already am
One of those strange, prodigious Creatures Man,
A Spirit free, to choose for my own Share,
What sort of Flesh and Blood I pleas'd to wear,
I'd be a Dog, a Monkey, or a Bear,
Or any thing, but that vain Animal,
Who is so proud of being Rational.
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
But a meek humble Man of modest Sense,
Who, Preaching Peace, does practice Continence;
Whose pious life's a proof he does believe,
Mysterious Truths, which no Man can conceive.
If upon Earth there dwell such God-like Men,
I'll here Recant my Paradox to them;
Adore those Shrines of Virtue, homage pay,
And, with the rabble world, their Laws obey.
If such there are, yet grant me This at least,
Man differs more from Man, than Man from Beast.
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
Occupation: English Poet
Born: April 1, 1647
Died: July 26, 1680
Quotes count: 40
Wikipedia: John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester
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