Part 18

EPIGRAMS

141. POSTING TO PRINTING

Let others to the printing-press run fast; Since after death comes glory, I'll not haste.

142. HIS LOSS

All has been plunder'd from me but my wit: Fortune herself can lay no claim to it.

143. THINGS MORTAL STILL MUTABLE

Things are uncertain; and the more we get, The more on icy pavements we are set.

144. NO MAN WITHOUT MONEY

No man such rare parts hath, that he can swim, If favour or occasion help not him.

145. THE PRESENT TIME BEST PLEASETH

Praise, they that will, times past: I joy to see Myself now live; this age best pleaseth me!

146. WANT

Want is a softer wax, that takes thereon, This, that, and every base impression,

147. SATISFACTION FOR SUFFERINGS

For all our works a recompence is sure; 'Tis sweet to think on what was hard t'endure.

148. WRITING

When words we want, Love teacheth to indite; And what we blush to speak, she bids us write.

149. THE DEFINITION OF BEAUTY

Beauty no other thing is, than a beam Flash'd out between the middle and extreme.

150. A MEAN IN OUR MEANS

Though frankincense the deities require, We must not give all to the hallow'd fire. Such be our gifts, and such be our expense, As for ourselves to leave some frankincense.

151. MONEY MAKES THE MIRTH

When all birds else do of their music fail, Money's the still-sweet-singing nightingale!

152. TEARS AND LAUGHTER

Knew'st thou one month would take thy life away, Thou'dst weep; but laugh, should it not last a day.

153. UPON TEARS

Tears, though they're here below the sinner's brine, Above, they are the Angels' spiced wine.

154. ON LOVE