act (n.)

act (v.)

So much one man can do,

That does both act and know.

Andrew Marvell (1620-1678): Upon Cromwell's return from Ireland.

Let no act be done at haphazard, nor otherwise than according to the finished rules that govern its kind.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180 a d): Meditations. iv. 2.

Trust no future, howe'er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act, act in the living present!

Heart within, and God o'erhead!

Henry W Longfellow (1807-1882): A Psalm of Life.

It is no act of common passage, but

A strain of rareness.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Cymbeline. Act iii. Sc. 4.

Remember this,—that there is a proper dignity and proportion to be observed in the performance of every act of life.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180 a d): Meditations. iv. 32.

About some act

That has no relish of salvation in 't.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act iii. Sc. 3.

Two truths are told,

As happy prologues to the swelling act

Of the imperial theme.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 3.

Such an act

That blurs the grace and blush of modesty.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act iii. Sc. 4.

What act

That roars so loud, and thunders in the index?

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act iii. Sc. 4.

Honour and shame from no condition rise;

Act well your part, there all the honour lies.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Essay on Man. Epistle iv. Line 193.