To be wise and eke to love

Quote byEdmund Spenser · 1552–1599

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: ' (1579), March (Willyes Embleme).

English (original)

To be wise and eke to love, Is graunted scarce to God above.

— Edmund Spenser

150

I was promised on a time To have reason for my rhyme; From that time unto this season, I received nor rhyme nor reason.

238

So love is Lord of all the world by right.

443

Death slue not him, but he made death his ladder to the skies.

1082

I trow that countenance cannot lie, Whose thoughts are legible in the eie.

288

I hate the day, because it lendeth light To see all things, but not my love to see.

Uncouthe, unkiste, sayde the olde famous poete Chaucer.

862