John Donne

"I would not that death should take me asleep. I would not have him merely seize me, and only declare me to be dead, but win me, and overcome me. When I must shipwreck, I would do it in a sea, where mine impotency might have some excuse; not in a sullen weedy lake, where I could not have so much as exercise for my swimming."

20 likes

Source: John Donne (1839). “The Works of John Donne: Sermons. Letters. Poems”, p.321

About the author

John Donne

John Donne

Poet, Cleric

John Donne was a 17th-century English poet known for his complex explorations of love, death, and spirituality, particularly in works like 'The Flea' and 'Death Be Not Proud.'

All quotes by John Donne →

Same author

More quotes by John Donne

See all →
John Donne Poet, Cleric

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee."

Read quote
John Donne Poet, Cleric

"Busy old fool, unruly Sun, why dost thou thus through windows and through curtains call on us? Must to thy motions lovers seasons run?"

Read quote