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Ben Jonson Quotes about Greatness

It is a note Of upstart greatness to observe and watch For these poor trifles, which the noble mind Neglects and scorns.

It is a note Of upstart greatness to observe and watch For these poor trifles, which the noble mind Neglects and scorns.

Ben Jonson, William Gifford (1816). “The Works of Ben Jonson ...: With Notes Critical and Explanatory, and Biographical Memoir”, p.137

Greatness of name, in the father, ofttimes helps not forth, but overwhelms the son: They stand too near one another. The shadow kills the growth.

Ben Jonson, Barry Cornwall (1838). “The Works of B. J. with a Memoir of His Life and Writings, by Barry Cornwall [i.e. B. W. Procter].”, p.745

For he that once is good, is ever great.

Ben Jonson (1856). “Poetical Works of Ben Jonson. Edited by Robert Bell”, p.173