courtier quotes

The court he practised, not the courtier's art: Large was his wealth, but larger was his heart.

-John Dryden
  Of the loyalist  James Butler, Duke of Ormond.  Absalom and  Achitophel, pt.1, l.825^6.

I am a courtier grave and serious Who is about to kiss your hand: Try to combine a pose imperious With a demeanour nobly bland.

- Sir W(illiam) S(chwenck) Gilbert
  The Gondoliers, act 2.