Anne Bradstreet Quotes

Authority without wisdom is like a heavy ax without an edge — fitter to bruise than polish.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.

If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

But man grows old, lies down, remains where once he’s laid.

A prosperous state makes a secure Christian, but adversity makes him Consider.

Flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone, I here, though there, yet both but one.

That when we live no more, We may live ever

We must, therefore, be here as strangers and pilgrims, that we may plainly declare that we seek a city above.

If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were lov’d by wife, then thee; If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me, ye women, if you can I prize thy love more than whole mines of Gold. Or all the riches that the East doth hold. My love is such that rivers cannot quench, Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense. Thy love is such I can no way repay, The heavens reward thee manifold repay, Then while we live, in love let’s so persevere That when we live no more, we may live ever.

O Time the fatal wrack of mortal things,That draws oblivion’s curtains over kings;Their sumptuous monuments, men know them not,Their names without a record are forgot,Their parts, their ports, their pomps all laid in th’ dustNor wit nor gold, nor buildings scape time’s rust;But he whose name is graved in the white stoneShall last and shine when all of these are gone.

When I behold the heavens as in their prime,And then the earth (though old) still clad in green,The stones and trees, insensible of time,Nor age nor wrinkle on their front are seen

It is reported of the peacock that priding himself in his gay feathers he ruffles them up; but spying his black feet he soon lets fall his plumes. So he that glories in his gifts and adornings should look upon his corruptions, and that will damp his high thoughts.