Quotes
Quotes - Gay
By outward show let's not be cheated; An ass should like an ass be treated.
Reproachful speech from either side The want of argument supplied; They rail, reviled; as often ends The contests of disputing friends.
The careful insect 'midst his works I view, Now from the flowers exhaust the fragrant dew, With golden treasures load his little thighs, And steer his distant journey through the skies.
The rising blushes, which her cheek o'er-spread, Are opening roses in the lily's bed.
The brave Love mercy, and delight to save.
In every age and clime we see, Two of a trade can ne'er agree.
Fair is the kingcup that in meadow blows, Fair is the daisy that beside her grows.
How bless'd, how envied, were our life, Could we but scape the poulterer's knife! But man, curs'd man, on Turkeys preys, And Christmas shortens all our days: Sometimes with oysters we combine, Sometimes assist the savory chine; From the low peasant to the lord, The Turkey smokes on every board.
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.
I never, with important air, In conversation overbear. . . . . My tongue within my lips I rein; For who talks much must talk in vain.
With thee conversing I forget the way.
When rogues like these (a sparrow cries) To honours and employments rise, I court no favor, ask no place, For such preferment is disgrace.
Cowards are cruel, but the brave Love mercy, and delight to save.
There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self.
What will not luxury taste? Earth, sea, and air, Are daily ransack'd for the bill of fare. Blood stuffed in skins is British Christians' food, And France robs marshes of the croaking brood.
Impartially their talents scan, Just education forms the man. - John Gay,
Envy's a sharper spur than pay: No author ever spar'd a brother; Wits are gamecocks to one another.
Fools may our scorn, not envy, raise. For envy is a kind of praise.
Brother, brother; we are both in the wrong.
When if or chance or hunger's powerful sway Directs the roving trout this fatal way, He greedily sucks in the twining bait, And tugs and nibbles the fallacious meat. Now, happy fisherman; now twitch the line! How thy rod bends! behold, the prize is thine!
"I cannot raise my worth too high; Of what vast consequence am I!" "Not of the importance you suppose," Replies a Flea upon his nose; "Be humble, learn thyself to scan; Know, pride was never made for man."
The fly that sips treacle is lost in the sweets.
The coquets of both sexes are self-lovers, and that is a love no other whatever can dispossess.
Of all the fools that pride can boast, A Coxcomb claims distinction most.
My new straw hat that's trimly lin'd with green, Let Peggy wear.
