John Milton Quotes

"A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit."

"Assuredly we bring not innocence not the world, we bring impurity much rather: that which purifies us is trial, and trial is by what is contrary."

"Beauty is nature's brag, and must be shown in courts, at feasts, and high solemnities, where most may wonder at the workmanship."

"Better to reign in hell than serve in heav'n."

"Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined; Till at his second bidding darkness fled, Light shone, and order from disorder sprung."

"Deep-versed in books and shallow in himself."

"For what can war, but endless war, still breed?"

"Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to my conscience, above all liberties."

"He that has light within his own clear breast May sit in the centre, and enjoy bright day: But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts Benighted walks under the mid-day sun; Himself his own dungeon."

"He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well."

"He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king."

"How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth, stolen on his wing my three-and-twentieth year!"

"Less excellent, as thou thyself perceivest."

"Let not England forget her precedence of teaching nations how to live."

"So dear I love him that with him all deaths I could endure, without him live no life."

"The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven."

"The superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby."

"They also serve who only stand and wait."

"Though we take from a covetous man all his treasure, he has yet one jewel left; you cannot bereave him of his covetousness."

"True it is that covetousness is rich, modesty starves."

"Truth never comes into the world but like a bastard, to the ignominy of him that brought her birth."

"Virtue could see to do what Virtue would by her own radiant light, though sun and moon where in the flat sea sunk."

"Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, God's image, but thee who destroys a good book, kills reason its self."

"Who overcomes by force, hath overcome but half his foe."