William Painter (author)

William Painter (or Paynter; c. 1540 – between 19 and 22 February 1595) was an English author and translator. As a clerk of the Ordnance in the Tower of London, he was accused of fraud aimed at amassing a personal fortune at public expense. He is best known for his anthology of translations, The Palace of Pleasure (1566; revised 1575).

Quotes

• ... the Common Prouerb may be applied: the common Courtier’s life is like a golden misery, and the faithfull seruant an Asse perpetuall.
  • The Palace of Pleasure, tome 2, novel 4 (Ariobarzanes)

• The common prouerbe sayth, that he which counteth before his hoste, must recken twice.
  • The Palace of Pleasure, tome 2, novel 7 (Sophonisba)

• Other shot forth theyr Boltes, and wyth theyr Prouerbes proceedyng from their malicious Mouthes thwited the pore Women at their pleasure.
  • The Palace of Pleasure, tome 2, novel 26 (Ladies of Venice)

• The unhappy Baron... that Nyght had Neyther Breade nor Broth, and therefore he fared accordynge to the Prouerbe: He that goeth to bed supperlesse, lyeth in his Bed restlesse.
  • The Palace of Pleasure, tome 2, novel 28 (Lady of Bohemia)