Quotes from work
Aureng-zebe

Aureng-zebe is a Restoration drama by John Dryden, written in 1675. It is based loosely on the figures of Aurangzeb , the then-reigning Mughal Emperor of India; his brother, Murad Baksh ; and their father, Shah Jahan . The piece is the last drama that Dryden wrote in rhymed verse. It is considered his best heroic work.The premiere production by the King's Company featured Charles Hart in the title role, Michael Mohun as the Old Emperor, Edward Kynaston as Morat, William Wintershall as Arimant, Rebecca Marshall as the Empress Nourmahal, Elizabeth Cox as Indamora, and Mary Corbet as Melesinda.

“Death in itself is nothing; but we fear
To be we know not what, we know not where.”

John Dryden Aureng-zebe

Aureng-Zebe (1676), Act IV, scene i.

“T is not for nothing that we life pursue;
It pays our hopes with something still that's new.”

John Dryden Aureng-zebe

Aureng-Zebe (1676), Act IV, scene i.

“When I consider life, 't is all a cheat.
Yet fool'd with hope, men favour the deceit;
Trust on, and think to-morrow will repay.
To-morrow 's falser than the former day;
Lies worse, and while it says we shall be blest
With some new joys, cuts off what we possest.
Strange cozenage! none would live past years again,
Yet all hope pleasure in what yet remain;
And from the dregs of life think to receive
What the first sprightly running could not give.”

John Dryden Aureng-zebe

Aureng-Zebe (1676), Act IV, scene i.