Quotes from John Gay

Shadow owes its birth to light.

She who has never loved has never lived.

Lest men suspect your tale untrue, Keep probability in view.

Of all mechanics, of all servile handycrafts-men, a gamester is the vilest. But yet, as many of the quality are of the profession, he is admitted amongst the politest company.

O Polly, you might have toyed and kissed, by keeping men off, you keep them on.

Is there no hope? the sick man said, The silent doctor shook his head, And took his leave with signs of sorrow, Despairing of his fee to-morrow.

If the heart of a man is depressed with cares, The mist is dispell'd when a woman appears; Like the notes of a fiddle, she sweetly, sweetly Raises the spirits, and charms our ears.

Whoever heard a man of fortune in England talk of the necessaries of life? . . . Whether we can afford it or no, we must have superfluities.

So comes a reck'ning when the banquet's o'er, The dreadful reckn'ning, and men smile no more.

Music might tame and civilize wild beasts, but 'tis evident it never yet could tame and civilize musicians.

Beasts kill for hunger, men for pay.

Nor love, not honor, wealth nor power, can give the heart a cheerful hour when health is lost. Be timely wise; With health all taste of pleasure flies.

The luxury of doing good surpasses every other personal enjoyment.

How happy could I be with either, Were t'other dear charmer away!

What happiness the rural maid attends, In cheerful labour while each day she spends! She gratefully receives what Heav'n has sent, And, rich in poverty, enjoys content.

What frenzy dictates, jealousy believes

No retreat. No retreat. They must conquer or die who've no retreat.

But money, wife, is the true Fuller's Earth for reputations, there is not a spot or a stain but what it can take out.

The comfortable estate of widowhood is the only hope that keeps up a wife's spirits.

But his kiss was so sweet, and so closely he pressed, that I languished and pined till I granted the rest.

Fools may our scorn, not envy, raise. For envy is a kind of praise.

Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.

On the choice of friends, Our good or evil name depends.

Reproachful speech from either side The want of argument supplied; They rail, reviled; as often ends The contests of disputing friends.