"I hardly ever ope my lips," one cries; "Simonides, what think you of my rule?"

"If you're a fool, I think you're very wise; If you are wise, I think you are a fool."

Richard Garnett [1835-1906]

Philosopher, whom dost thou most affect, Stoics austere, or Epicurus' sect?

Friend, 'tis my grave infrangible design With those to study, and with these to dine.

Richard Garnett [1835-1906]

Joy is the blossom, sorrow is the fruit, Of human life; and worms are at the root.

Walter Savage Landor [1775-1864]

No truer word, save G.o.d's, was ever spoken, Than that the largest heart is soonest broken.

Walter Savage Landor [1775-1864]

This house, where once a lawyer dwelt, Is now a smith's. Alas!

How rapidly the iron age Succeeds the age of bra.s.s!

William Erskine [1769-1822]

"I would," says Fox, "a tax devise That shall not fall on me."

"Then tax receipts," Lord North replies, "For those you never see."

Richard Brinsley Sheridan [1751-1816]

You beat your pate, and fancy wit will come.

Knock as you please,--there's n.o.body at home.

Alexander Pope [1688-1744]

If a man who turnips cries Cry not when his father dies, 'Tis a proof that he would rather Have a turnip than a father.

Samuel Johnson [1709-1784]

Life is a jest, and all things show it; I said so once, and now I know it.

John Gay [1685-1732]

I am his Highness' dog at Kew.

Pray, sir, tell me,--whose dog are you?

Alexander Pope [1688-1744]

Sir, I admit your general rule, That every poet is a fool, But you yourself may serve to show it, That every fool is not a poet.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge [1772-1834]

Damis, an author cold and weak, Thinks as a critic he's divine; Likely enough; we often make Good vinegar of sorry wine.

Unknown

Swans sing before they die--'twere no bad thing Did certain persons die before they sing.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge [1772-1834]

He who in his pocket hath no money Should, in his mouth, be never without honey.

Unknown

n.o.bles and heralds, by your leave, Here lies what once was Matthew Prior, The son of Adam and of Eve; Can Bourbon or Na.s.sau claim higher?

Matthew Prior [1664-1721]

Here lie I, Martin Elginbrodde; Hae mercy o' my soul, Lord G.o.d, As I wad do were I Lord G.o.d, And ye were Martin Elginbrodde.