William Temple

Sir William Temple (1628 - 1699), statesman and essayist, who successfully negotiated the marriage of William, Prince of Orange and Princess Mary of England.

• "Books, like proverbs, receive their chief value from the stamp and esteem of ages through which they have passed.

Ancient and Modern Learning

• When all is done, human life is, at the greatest, and the best, but like a froward child, that must be played with and humored a little to keep it quiet till it falls asleep, and then the care is over.

Miscellanea, Part II, Of Poetry