The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

An art, in London only is a trade.
‘Prologue to the University of Oxon...at the Acting of The Silent Woman’ (1673)
And this unpolished rugged verse I chose
As fittest for discourse and nearest prose.
‘Religio Laici’ (1682) l. 453
I strongly wish for what I faintly hope:
Like the day-dreams of melancholy men,
I think and think on things impossible,
Yet love to wander in that golden maze.
‘The Rival Ladies’ (1664) act 3, sc. 1
A very merry, dancing, drinking,
Laughing, quaffing, and unthinking time.
‘The Secular Masque’ (1700) l. 39
Joy ruled the day, and Love the night.
‘The Secular Masque’ (1700) l. 81
All, all of a piece throughout;
Thy chase had a beast in view;
Thy wars brought nothing about;
Thy lovers were all untrue.
’Tis well an old age is out,
And time to begin a new.
‘The Secular Masque’ (1700) l. 92
For secrets are edged tools,
And must be kept from children and from fools.
‘Sir Martin Mar-All’ (1667) act 2, sc. 2
From harmony, from heavenly harmony
This universal frame began:
From harmony to harmony
Through all the compass of the notes it ran,
The diapason closing full in Man.
‘A Song for St Cecilia’s Day’ (1687) st. 1
What passion cannot Music raise and quell?
‘A Song for St Cecilia’s Day’ (1687) st. 2
The soft complaining flute.
‘A Song for St Cecilia’s Day’ (1687) st. 4
The trumpet shall be heard on high,
The dead shall live, the living die,
And Music shall untune the sky.
‘A Song for St Cecilia’s Day’ (1687) ‘Grand Chorus’
There is a pleasure sure,