7-The words and writers who changed the world.- Ben Jonson

 

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In small proportions we just beauties see;

And in short measures life may perfect be.

Ben Jonson was one of the most illustrious men of the Elizabethan theatre. He was born in London a month after the death of his mother impoverished. Circumstances forced Jonson to enter the bricklayer’s trade, which he soon abandoned to join English soldiers who were aiding Dutch Protestants in their rebellion against their Spanish( and Catholic) rulers.

Jonson was a complex character, combative and ribald, a drinker and a brawler, who showed himself, in his poetry, to be capable of delicacy and restraint.

His Famous Works

OH, that joy so soon should waste!

    Or so sweet a bliss

    As a kiss

Might not forever last!

So sugared, so melting, so soft, so delicious!

    The dew that lies on roses

When morn herself discloses,

    Is not so precious.

Oh, rather than I would it smother,

Were I to taste such another,

    It should be my wishing

    That I might die kissing.