John Donne Quotes - Page 7

To a large degree, since the beginning of time, charisma or the lack of it has impacted upon those in quest of acclaim. As media expands, this has become ever more vital. Thus, demeanor if unappealing, can defeat one's likelihood of success, causing the death of prospects whilst they are still embryonic.

What gnashing is not a comfort, what gnawing of the worm is not a tickling, what torment is not a marriage bed to this damnation, to be secluded eternally, eternally, eternally from the sight of God?

Enjoyment always has a spoiling, otherwise it cannot be so.

If they be two, they are two so As stiff twin compasses are two, Thy soul the fixt foot, makes no show To move, but doth, if the other do.

Humiliation is the beginning of sanctification; and as without this, without holiness, no man shall see God, though he pore whole nights upon his Bible; so without that, without humility, no man shall hear God speak to his soul, though he hear three two-hour sermons every day.

Oft from new truths, and new phrase, new doubts grow, As strange attire aliens the men we know.

Nature's lay idiot, I taught thee to love.

A bride, before a "Good-night" could be said, Should vanish from her clothes into her bed, As souls from bodies steal, and are not spied. But now she's laid; what though she be? Yet there are more delays, for where is he? He comes and passeth through sphere after sphere; First her sheets, then her arms, then anywhere. Let not this day, then, but this night be thine; Thy day was but the eve to this, O Valentine.

On a huge hill, Cragged, and steep, Truth stands, and hee that will Reach her, about must, and about must goo.

O how feeble is man's power, that if good fortune fall, cannot add another hour, nor a lost hour recall!

I throw myself down in my chamber, and I call and invite God and his angels thither.

Lust-bred diseases rot thee.

Who ever comes to shroud me, do not harm Nor question much That subtle wreath of hair, which crowns my arm; The mystery, the sign you must not touch, For 'tis my outward soul, Viceroy to that, which then to heaven being gone, Will leave this to control, And keep these limbs, her provinces, from dissolution.

That thou remember them, some claim as debt; I think it mercy, if thou wilt forget.

Never start with tomorrow to reach eternity. Eternity is not being reached by small steps.

There is in every miracle a silent chiding of the world, and a tacit reprehension of them who require, or who need miracles.

It is too little to call man a little world; Except God, man is a diminutive to nothing.

Twice or thrice had I loved thee before I knew thy face or name, so in a voice, so in a shapeless flame, angels affect us oft, and worshiped be.

We can die by it, if not live by love, And if unfit for tombs and hearse Our legend be, it will be fit for verse; And if no peace of chronicle we prove, We'll build in sonnet pretty rooms; As well a well wrought urne becomes The greatest ashes, as half-acre tombs.

As virtuous men pass mildly away, and whisper to their souls to go, whilst some of their sad friends do say, the breath goes now, and some say no.

My love though silly is more brave.

And to 'scape stormy days, I choose an everlasting night.

All whom war, dearth, age, agues, tyrannies, Despair, law, chance, hath slain.

Kind pity chokes my spleen.

I find no abhorring in my appetite.