John Gay image
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Born in June 30, 1685 / Died in December 4, 1732 / United Kingdom / English

Quotes by John Gay

There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self.
On the choice of friends, Our good or evil name depends.
Cowards are cruel, but the brave love mercy and delight to save.
But his kiss was so sweet, and so closely he pressed, that I languished and pined till I granted the rest.
An open foe may prove a curse, but a pretended friend is worse.
Follow love and it will flee, flee love and it will follow thee.
Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.
She who has never loved has never lived.
The comfortable estate of widowhood is the only hope that keeps up a wife's spirits.
By ignorance is pride increased; those must assume who know the least.
Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.
Shall ignorance of good and ill Dare to direct the eternal will? Seek virtue, and of that possest, To Providence resign the rest.
The brave love mercy, and delight to save.
In beauty, faults conspicuous grow; the smallest speck is seen on snow
We only part to meet again.
O Polly, you might have toyed and kissed, by keeping men off, you keep them on.
How the mother is to be pitied who hath handsome daughters! Locks, bolts, bars, and lectures of morality are nothing to them: they break through them all. They have as much pleasure in cheating a father and mother, as in cheating at cards.
Lions, wolves, and vultures don't live together in herds, droves or flocks. Of all animals of prey, man is the only sociable one. Every one of us preys upon his neighbor, and yet we herd together.
Life is a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it.
Sure men were born to lie, and women to believe them!
Cowards are cruel, but the brave Love mercy, and delight to save.
Can you support the expense of a husband, hussy, in gaming, drinking and whoring? Have you money enough to carry on the daily quarrels of man and wife about who shall squander most?
No retreat. No retreat. They must conquer or die who've no retreat.
Fools may our scorn, not envy, raise. For envy is a kind of praise.
I must have women -- there is nothing unbends the mind like them.