James Shirley

thumb|James Shirley James Shirley (or Sherley) (September 1596 – October 29, 1666) was an English poet and dramatist. Quotes Devouring Famine, Plague, and War,Each able to undo mankind,Death's servile emissaries are;Nor to these alone confined,He hath at willMore quaint and subtle ways to kill;A smile or kiss, as he will use the art,Shall have the cunning skill to break a heart. Poem The Last Conqueror. Death calls ye to the crowd of common men. Cupid and Death. The Contention of Ajax and Ulysses The honour is overpaid,When he that did the act is commentator. sc. i. The glories of our blood and stateAre shadows, not substantial things;There is no armour against fate;Death lays his icy hand on kings:Sceptre and CrownMust tumble down,And in the dust be equal madeWith the poor crooked scythe and spade. sc. iii. Only the actions of the justSmell sweet and blossom in the dust. sc. iii. Compare: "The sweet remembrance of the just Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust", Tate and Brady, Psalm cxxii. External links Category:Playwrights from England Category:Poets from England Category:1596 births Category:1666 deaths Category:People from London