Matthew Prior

In argument similes are like songs in love; they describe much, but prove nothing.

— Matthew Prior

And 'tis remarkable that they talk most who have the least to say.

— Matthew Prior

To John I owed great obligation; but John, unhappily, thought fit to publish it to all the nation: Sure John and I are more than quit.

— Matthew Prior

Cured yesterday of my disease, I died last night of my physician.

— Matthew Prior

Who walks the fastest, but walks astray, is only furthest from his way.

— Matthew Prior

Hopes are but the dreams of those that wake.

— Matthew Prior

Fantastic tyrant of the amorous heart. How hard thy yoke, how cruel thy dart. Those escape your anger who refuse your sway, and those are punished most, who most obey.

— Matthew Prior

Be to their virtue very kind; be to their faults a little blind.

— Matthew Prior

Odds life! must one swear to the truth of a song?

— Matthew Prior

They talk most who have the least to say.

— Matthew Prior

Forbear to mention what thou canst not praise.

— Matthew Prior

They never taste who always drink; they always talk who never think.

— Matthew Prior

The circling months begin this day, To run their yearly ring, And long-breath'd time which ne'er will stay, Refits his wings, and shoots away, It round again to bring.

— Matthew Prior

No, no; for my virginity, When I lose that, says Rose, I'll die: Behind the elms, last night, cried Dick, Rose, were you not extremely sick?

— Matthew Prior