Henry Wotton quotes

Henry Wotton was an English diplomat, author, and politician renowned for his wit and learning. Best remembered for his service as ambassador to Venice, he played an influential role in early 17th-century European diplomacy. He also left a literary legacy through his poetry and the famous saying, "An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the good of his country." Here are 15 of his quotes:

Love lodged in a woman's breast Is but a guest.

Henry Wotton

The itch of disputing will prove the scab of churches.

Henry Wotton

I am but a gatherer and disposer of other men's stuff.

Henry Wotton

Who God doth late and early pray, More of his grace than gifts to send, And entertains the harmless day With a well-chosen book or friend.

Henry Wotton

Hanging was the worst use a man could be put to.

Henry Wotton

How happy is he born and taught, That serveth not another's will; Whose armor is his honest thought, And simple truth his utmost skill!

Henry Wotton

Tell the truth so as to puzzle and confound your adversaries.

Henry Wotton

Well-building hat three conditions. Commodity, firmness, and delight.

Henry Wotton

Lord of himself, though not of lands; And having nothing, yet hath all.

Henry Wotton

You meaner beauties of the night, That poorly satisfy our eyes More by your number than your light; You common people of the skies, What are you when the sun shall rise?

Henry Wotton

He first deceased; she for a little tried To live without him, liked it not, and died.

Henry Wotton

Here lies the author of this phrase: "The itch for disputing is the sore of churches." Seek his name elsewhere.

Henry Wotton

A distinguished diplomat could hold his tongue in ten languages.

Henry Wotton