Quotes from WILLIAM BASSE

Alas, if must your great affairs be done, Know that fair means increase your servants vigor: Hearts by unpleasing checks are never won, And willingness is not enlarged by rigor.

When you command, remember 'tis but speech To bid a thing be acted to your mind

The first men that our Saviour dear Did choose to wait upon Him here, Blest fishers were; and fish the last Food was, that He on earth did taste: I therefore strive to follow those, Whom He to follow Him hath chose.

A man that's neither born to wealth, nor place, But to the mere despite of Fortune's brow, Though, peradventure, well endowed with grace Of stature, form, and other gifts enough, Submits himself unto a servile yoke, And is content to wear a livery cloak.

Now if my actions prosper, you shall see Your titles graced with greater estimation; Or at the least we shall no longer be Deprived of deserved reputation.

Renowned Spenser, lie a thought more nighTo learned Chaucer; and rare Beaumont, lieA little nearer Spenser; to make roomFor Shakespeare in your threefold fourfold tomb.