WILLIAM BASSE QUOTES

English poet (c. 1583-1653)

Alas, if must your great affairs be done,
Know that fair means increase your servants vigor:
Hearts by unpleasing checks are never won,
And willingness is not enlarged by rigor.

WILLIAM BASSE

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When you command, remember 'tis but speech
To bid a thing be acted to your mind

WILLIAM BASSE

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The first men that our Saviour dear Did choose to wait upon Him here, Blest fishers were; and fish the last Food was, that He on earth did taste: I therefore strive to follow those, Whom He to follow Him hath chose.

WILLIAM BASSE

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Now if my actions prosper, you shall see
Your titles graced with greater estimation;
Or at the least we shall no longer be
Deprived of deserved reputation.

WILLIAM BASSE

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A man that's neither born to wealth, nor place,
But to the mere despite of Fortune's brow,
Though, peradventure, well endowed with grace
Of stature, form, and other gifts enough,
Submits himself unto a servile yoke,
And is content to wear a livery cloak.

WILLIAM BASSE

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