"The glories of our blood and state, Are shadows, not substantial things; There is no armour against fate, Death lays his icy hand on kings. Scepter and crown must tumble down, And, in the dust, be equal made With the poor crooked scythe and spade."
"When our souls shall leave this dwelling, the glory of one fair and virtuous action is above all the 'scutcheons on our tomb, or silken banners over us."
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Source: James Shirley (1833). “The Dramatic Works and Poems of James Shirley, Now First Collected: The grateful servant. The traitor. Love's cruelty. Love in a maze. The bird in a cage. Hyde Park”, p.174
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More quotes by James Shirley
"Only the actions of the just, Smell sweet and blossom in their dust."
"The honour is overpaid,When he that did the act is commentator."
"There is no armor against fate."
"Death lays his icy hand on kings."
"There is no armour against fate."