Quote#Truth
Rhyme, the rack of finest wits
Quote byBen Jonson · 1572–1637
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Underwoods, XXIX, A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme, lines 1-12.
English (original)
Rhyme, the rack of finest wits, That expresseth but by fits, True conceit, Spoiling senses of their treasure, Cozening judgement with a measure, But false weight. Wresting words from their true calling; Propping verse, for fear of falling To the ground. Jointing syllables, drowning letters, Fastening vowels, as with fetters They were bound!
— Ben Jonson
More from Ben Jonson
That old bald cheater, Time.
Slow, slow, fresh fount, keep time with my salt tears: Yet, slower, yet; O faintly, gentle springs: List to the heavy part the music bears, Woe weeps out her division, when she sings. Droop herbs, and flowers, Fall grief in showers,
True happiness Consists not in the multitude of friends, But in the worth and choice.
Queen and huntress, chaste and fair, Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light, Goddess, excellently bright.
There shall be no love lost.
Of all wild beasts preserve me from a tyrant; and of all tame, a flatterer.