68 quotes
It is a trite but true observation, that examples work more forcibly on the mind than precepts.
Joseph Andrews (1742)
Can any man have a higher notion of the rule of right and the eternal fitness of things?
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749)
Guilt has very quick ears to an accusation.
Amelia (1751)
When widows exclaim loudly against second marriages, I would always lay a wager that the man, if not the wedding day, is absolutely fixed on.
Amelia (1751)
In reality, the world have payed too great a compliment to critics, and have imagined them men of much greater profundity than they really are.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749)
Depend on me; never fear your enemies. I'll warrant we make more noise than they.
Eurydice Hissed: or A Word to the Wise (1736)
It hath been often said, that it is not death, but dying which is terrible.
Amelia (1751)
Hairbreadth missings of happiness look like the insults of Fortune.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749)
I describe not men, but manners; not an individual, but a species.
Joseph Andrews (1742)
To whom nothing is given, of him can nothing be required.
Joseph Andrews (1742)
When children are doing nothing, they are doing mischief.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749)
Life may as properly be called an art as any other.
Amelia (1751)
Love and scandal are the best sweeteneers of tea.
Love in Several Masques (1728)
Every physician almost hath his favorite disease.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749)
One fool at least in every married couple.
Amelia (1751)
A good face, they say, is a letter of recommendation. O Nature, Nature, why art thou so dishonest, as ever to send men with these false recommendations into the World?
Amelia (1751)
I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he to whom that is given need ask no more.
Joseph Andrews (1742)
At last the Ocean, that hospitable friend to the wretched, opened her capacious arms to receive him.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749)
There is not in the universe a more ridiculous, nor more contemptible animal, than a proud clergyman.
Amelia (1751)
Some folks rail against other folks, because other folks have what some folks would be glad of.
Joseph Andrews (1742)