Anne Bradstreet

Fire hath its force abated by water, not by wind; and anger must be allayed by cold words, and not by blustering threats.

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.

Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.

Youth is the time of getting, middle age of improving, and old age of spending.

The principal might yield a greater sum, Yet handled ill, amounts but to this crumb;

If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee; If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me ye women if you can.

Leave not thy nest, thy dam and sire, Fly back and sing amidst this choir.

Such cold mean flowers the spring puts forth betime, Before the sun hath thoroughly heat the clime.

"Sister," quoth Flesh, "what liv'st thou on Nothing but Meditation?

A Spring returns, and they more youthful made; But Man grows old, lies down, remains where once he's laid.

What to my Saviour shall I give Who freely hath done this for me? I'll serve him here whilst I shall live And Loue him to Eternity

If for thy Father askt, say, thou hadst none; And for thy Mother, she alas is poor, Which caus'd her thus to send thee out of door.