James Shirley



James Shirley (or Sherley) (September 1596 – October 29, 1666) was an English poet and dramatist.

Quotes

 * Devouring Famine, Plague, and War, Each able to undo mankind, Death's servile emissaries are; Nor to these alone confined, He hath at will More quaint and subtle ways to kill; A smile or kiss, as he will use the art, Shall have the cunning skill to break a heart.
 * Poem The Last Conqueror.


 * Death calls ye to the crowd of common men.
 * Cupid and Death.

The Contention of Ajax and Ulysses

 * The honour is overpaid, When he that did the act is commentator.
 * sc. i.


 * The glories of our blood and state Are shadows, not substantial things; There is no armour against fate; Death lays his icy hand on kings: Sceptre and Crown Must tumble down, And in the dust be equal made With the poor crooked scythe and spade.
 * sc. iii.


 * Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.
 * sc. iii. Compare: "The sweet remembrance of the just Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust", Tate and Brady, Psalm cxxii.