Quotes from Fables — John Gay
1685–1732 England
33 quotes
That raven on yon left-hand oak
(Curse on his ill-betiding croak!)
Bodes me no good.
In every age and clime we see
Two of a trade can never agree.
From wine what sudden friendship springs!
Lest men suspect your tale untrue,
Keep probability in view.
By outward show let's not be cheated;
An ass should like an ass be treated.
When we risk no contradiction,
It prompts the tongue to deal in fiction.
In beauty faults conspicuous grow;
The smallest speck is seen on snow.
Cowards are cruel, but the brave
Love mercy, and delight to save.
Is there no hope? the sick man said;
The silent doctor shook his head.
From kings to cobblers 'tis the same;
Bad servants wound their masters' fame.
Those who in quarrels interpose,
Must often wipe a bloody nose.
And when a lady's in the case,
You know all other things give place.
Of all the fools that pride can boast,
A Coxcomb claims distinction most.
Those who in quarrels intepose
Must often wipe a bloody nose.
Attribution
Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: John Gay (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.