John Dryden

“ True worth shall gain me, that it may be said,
Desert, not fancy, once a woman led.
He who, in fight, his courage shall oppose,
With most success, against his country's foes,
From me shall all that recompence receive,
That valour merits, or that love can give. ”

“ The gods have given you power of life and death,
Like them to save, or scatter with a breath.
Cort. That power they to your father did dispose,
'Twas in his choice to make us friends or foes.
Alib. Injurious strength would rapine still excuse,
By offering terms the weaker must refuse ”