Who said “All human things are subject to decay, and when fate summons, monarchs must obey.”?

Verified

John Dryden. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceMac Flecknoe (1682)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Mac Flecknoe (1682).

APA

Dryden, J. (n.d.). All human things are subject to decay, and when fate summons, monarchs must obey. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/12495-all-human-things-are-subject-to-decay-and/

MLA

Dryden, John. “All human things are subject to decay, and when fate summons, monarchs must obey.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/12495-all-human-things-are-subject-to-decay-and/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Dryden, John. “All human things are subject to decay, and when fate summons, monarchs must obey.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/12495-all-human-things-are-subject-to-decay-and/.