Top 191 Quotes & Sayings by Philip Sidney - Page 2

To be rhymed to death as is said to be done in Ireland.

I am no herald to inquire into men's pedigree; it sufficeth me if I know their virtues.

Happiness is a sunbeam, which may pass though a thousand bosoms without losing a particle of its original ray.

Indeed, the Roman laws allowed no person to be carried to the wars but he that was in the soldiers roll.

A noble heart, like the sun, showeth its greatest countenance in its lowest estate.

The best legacy I can leave my children is free speech, and the example of using it.

To be ambitious of true honor and of the real glory and perfection of our nature is the very principle and incentive of virtue; but to be ambitious of titles, place, ceremonial respects, and civil pageantry, is as vain and little as the things are which we court

The many-headed multitude, whom inconstancy only doth by accident guide to well-doing! Who can set confidence there, where company takes away shame, and each may lay the fault upon his fellow?

All is but lip-wisdom which wants experience.

Sweet speaking oft a currish heart reclaims.

Honor, thou strong idol of man's mind.

Lovely sweetness is the noblest power of woman, and is far fitter to prevail by parley than by battle.

Fear is far more painful to cowardice than death to true courage.

The judgment of the world stands upon matter of fortune.

Great captains do never use long orations when it comes to the point of execution.

The general goodness, which is nourished in noble hearts makes every one think that strength of virtue to be in another whereof they find assured foundation in themselves.

It many times falls out that we deem ourselves much deceived in others because we first deceived ourselves.

Gold can gild a rotten stick, and dirt sully an ingot.

A noble cause doth ease much a grievous case.

Shallow brooks murmur most, deep and silent slide away.

Valor is abased by too much loftiness.

As well the soldier dieth who standeth still as he that gives the bravest onset.

The truly great man is as apt to forgive as his power is able to revenge.

The scourge of life, and death's extreme disgrace, The smoke of hell,--that monster called Paine.

Cupid makes it his sport to pull the warrior's plum.

Weigh not so much what men assert, as what they prove. Truth is simple and naked, and needs not invention to apparel her comeliness.

The lightsome countenance of a friend giveth such an inward decking to the house where it lodgeth, as proudest palaces have cause to envy the gilding.

Blasphemous words betray the vain foolishness of the speaker.

There is little hope of equity where rebellion reigns.

Open suspecting of others comes of secretly condemning ourselves.

Some are unwisely liberal, and more delight to give presents than to pay debts.

Alexander received more bravery of mind by the pattern of Achilles, than by hearing the definition of fortitude.

There needs not strength to be added to inviolate chastity; the excellency of the mind makes the body impregnable.

The day seems long, but night is odious; no sleep, but dreams; no dreams but visions strange.

Doing good is the only certainly happy action of a man's life.

The end of all knowledge should be in virtuous action.

The first mark of valor is defence.

Friendship is made fast by interwoven benefits.

Nothing has a letter effect upon children than praise.

Liking is not always the child of beauty; but whatsoever is liked, to the liker is beautiful.

Many delight more in giving of presents than in paying their debts.

Who shoots at the mid-day sun, though he be so sure he shall never hit the mark, yet as sure as he is, he shall shoot higher than he who aims at a bush.

The journey of high honor lies not in smooth ways.

High honor is not only gotten and born by pain and danger, but must be nursed by the like, else it vanisheth as soon as it appears to the world.

Reason cannot show itself more reasonable than to cease reasoning on things above reason.

But words came halting forth, wanting Invention's stay; Invention, Nature's child, fled stepdame Study's blows; And others' feet still seemed but strangers in my way. Thus, great with child to speak, and helpless in my throes, Biting my truant pen, beating myself for spite: "Fool," said my Muse to me, "look in thy heart, and write.

A churlish courtesy rarely comes but either for gain or falsehood.

To the disgrace of men it is seen that there are women both more wise to judge what evil is expected, and more constant to bear it when it happens.

As the fertilest ground, must be manured, so must the highest flying wit have a Daedalus to guide him.

It is hard, but it is excellent, to find the right knowledge of when correction is necessary and when grace doth most avail.

In shame there is no comfort but to be beyond all bounds of shame.

What is mine, even to my life, is hers I love; but the secret of my friend is not mine!

Fool," said my muse to me. "Look in thy heart and write.

A brave captain is as a root, out of which, as branches, the courage of his soldiers doth spring.

The highest point outward things can bring unto, is the contentment of the mind; with which no estate can be poor, without which all estates will be miserable.

Unlawful desires are punished after the effect of enjoying; but impossible desires are punished in the desire itself.

There is a certain delicacy which in yielding conquers; and with a pitiful look makes one find cause to crave help one's self.

Commonly they must use their feet for defense whose only weapon is their tongue.

The observances of the church concerning feasts and fasts are tolerably well kept, since the rich keep the feasts and the poor the fasts.

True bravery is quiet, undemonstrative.