Thomas Flatman

Thomas Flatman (21 February 1635 – 8 December 1688) was an English poet and miniature painter.

Quotes

• Kings should disdain to die, and only disappear.
  • As cited in Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, Part II, The Pleasures of Opium.
  • Speaking of the death of Charles II, 6 February 1685.
  • Quoted in Pale Fire Commentary, Line 894 as "Kings do not die—they only disappear, eh, Charles?".

• There’s an experienced rebel, Time,
  And in his squadrons Poverty;
  There’s Age that brings along with him
  A terrible artillery:
  And if against all these thou keep’st thy crown,
  Th’usurper Death will make thee lay it down.
  • "The Defiance", in Poems (1686)

• How happy a thing were a wedding,
    And a bedding,
  If a man might purchase a wife
    For a twelvemonth and a day;
  But to live with her all a man’s life,
    For ever and for aye,
  Till she grow grey as a cat,
  Good faith, Mr. Parson, I thank you for that!
  • "On Marriage"