John Evelyn Quotes

“The title that has consecrated this Alter is the Marriage of Souls, and the Golden thread that tyes the hearts of all the world; I tell you, Madam, Freindshipp is beyond all relations of flesh and blood, because it is less materiall.”

John Evelyn

The Life of Mrs. Godolphin (London: William Pickering, 1847) pp. 20-21
Often misquoted as "Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world."

“I saw Hamlet Pr: of Denmark played: but now the old playe began to disgust this refined age.”

John Evelyn

November 26, 1661.
The Diary

“This Knight was indeede a valiant Gent: but not a little given to romance, when he spake of himselfe.”

John Evelyn

September 6, 1651.
The Diary

“He was universally belov'd, Hospitable, Generous, Learned in many things, skill'd in Musick, a very greate Cherisher of Learned men of whom he had the conversation.”

John Evelyn

May 26, 1703.
The Diary

“A most excellent person he is, and must be allowed a little for a little conceitedness; but he may well be so, being a man so much above others.”

John Evelyn

Samuel Pepys Diary, November 5, 1665.
Criticism